Panel Members Sought for Rural Grants Panel Supporting Northumberland Businesses

Following the successful delivery of over £1.5 million in funding to rural businesses across Northumberland, the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is inviting expression of interest for two new private sector panel members to help guide the next phase of investment and growth of the NSBS Grant Investment Fund.

The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Northumberland County Council through its newly established Business Northumberland support team. The project is part funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.

Since the programme launch in 2023, the panel has helped businesses across sectors access vital investment for growth, unlocking potential, driving innovation and strengthening business resilience in Northumberland’s rural economy. The well-established capital grant programme, supports micro and small enterprises in rural areas to expand, diversify and create quality employment opportunities.

With funding available from £10,000 up to £300,000, the panel plays a key role in reviewing applications and ensuring grants are awarded to projects that deliver strong economic impact and community benefit. The programme runs until March 2026 with the existing panel made up from a mix of public and private sector representatives, including members from local authorities and regional business leaders.

Ideal candidates will bring insight, impartiality and commitment to the role. We welcome applications from a range of professional backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from those with experience in finance, legal services, marketing or rural enterprise.

Panel members are expected to:

-Prepare for and attend monthly meetings (papers provided in advance)

-Review business cases and support funding decisions

-Champion fair and transparent processes

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, and meetings typically take place during office hours.

If you’re passionate about supporting rural business growth and have the expertise to help shape funding decisions, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit a short CV and covering letter outlining your experience, what you can bring to the role, and your commitment to the panel.

For an informal conversation about the opportunity, or to submit your CV please contact:

Lucy Evermore, Northumberland Small Business Service Programme Manager, Northumberland Small Business Service

Lucy.Evermore@businessnorthumberland.co.uk

John Hildreth, Head of Business Northumberland, Business Northumberland Team, Northumberland County Council John.Hildreth@businessnorthumberland.co.uk

NSBS also offers assistance to micro-small sized businesses across Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures through workshops, 1-2-1 support and networking events across the county.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service (visit www.northumberlandsmallbusiness.co.uk)  or contact the team at business@businessnorthumberland.co.uk