We support a broad range of rural businesses because we know that local businesses need specific support at key points in their development to help them prosper
As a not for profit company DR offers cost effective services to help businesses of all sizes and types to both set up and grow. Since 2005 we have developed a wealth of knowledge and experience working with hundreds of local businesses. Amongst the services we offer are: Researching new opportunities; business planning; bid writing for all types of funding; mentoring and reviewing success.
Below you will find relevant case studies of projects and businesses we are proud to have supported. If you have any queries on how we can help your business to grow and prosper, we’d be pleased to help, give advice or point you in the right direction. Get in touch!
FARMING
HAYES MEADOW FARM
In 2018 husband and wife, Graham and Jocelyn, transformed Hayes Farm into an organic farming system. In 2020, the business followed its core principle of being a ‘nose to tail’ producer by expanding into tallow products. Sales have accelerated at such a speed that production has quickly outgrown current facilities, which is where DR came in.
In 2021 Hayes Meadow successfully applied for a LEADER (Greater Dartmoor Local Area Enterprise Fund) grant of more than £96,000 through The DR Company. The funds will allow Graham and Jocelyn to concentrate their current setup into one purpose built modular unit, therefore improving efficiency.
”The DR Company have been a pivotal partner in helping our farm business adapt to change and seize opportunities.”
RURAL BUSINESS
FLAPJACKERY
Founded in 2015 by two friends, Sally and Carol, Flapjackery has grown exponentially to date, not least thanks to its delicious range of award winning flapjacks. With 12 Taste of the West awards under their belts, and with an ethos based around low food miles and local prosperity, it’s not hard to see why the Dartmoor based business is so successful.
Through two separate grant awards, Flapjackery have received around £37,500 of LEADER funding through the Greater Dartmoor Local Area Enterprise Fund.
“Once again we have had fantastic support from the experts at DR making the whole process very achievable and painless – without the initial support we would probably never have secured the first grant which would have slowed our development considerably. We hope this new phase will help us achieve our next set of goals and continue to increase our workforce and shop front presence.
Thank you again for your invaluable help.”
PUBLIC SECTOR
EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL – REOPENING HIGH STREETS AND WELCOME BACK FUND
East Devon benefitted from the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) programme announced by central Government and funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which commenced on 1 June 2020 with the Council receiving an allocation of £130,992.
Through November and December 2020, local high street businesses were surveyed about what measures would assist them in terms of reopening safely following the Covid-19 pandemic.
”The Diverse Regeneration Company provided clear and pragmatic advice and support in relation to managing these ERDF funding opportunities. The DR Company understood the issues, complexity and frustration of some of the scenarios we faced and provided effective advice alongside accessible and workable solutions”
COMMUNITY
NEWTON ABBOT CIC
”Newton Abbot CIC has turned to DR on numerous occasions over the years for help with project evaluations, business plans and background data. We’ve always found the team to be incredibly knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. DR offers an affordable service for local organisations. As a Company, DR go above and beyond to meet the client’s needs.”
FORESTRY
SOUTH WEST FOREST REVIEW
The South West Forest Review is a study of a scheme that saw 3,000 hectares of woodland planted across North Devon and Cornwall between 1997 and 2005.
The study and review was carried out by a partnership of organisations – The Diverse Regeneration Company, Timber Strategies, Devon County Council and the Forestry Commission – giving a full review of how the woodlands have developed over the last 20 years.
The report outlined how planting new woodlands is not only a rewarding and vital activity for the landscape; for biodiversity, for carbon storage and for economic diversity on farms, but also highlights that without good on-going management and maintenance these benefits can fall by the wayside.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to enquire about any of our funding programmes please send us a message here. Please include the name of the funding you are enquiring about.
