Details have been revealed of a new funding scheme to help bakers across Scotland buy or modernise equipment.

Applications to the £125,000 Scottish Bakers Grant Scheme, which was announced in June, can now be made by small family-run or independent businesses.

The scheme has been developed to support and encourage the growth of independent Scottish bakers and their ability to innovate and respond to changing customer demands by:

  • Improving the quality of retail environments
  • Providing a better/more diverse food-to-go offering for consumers (with an emphasis on healthier options)
  • Improving operational efficiency and flexibility
  • Reducing environmental impact of operations

A maximum grant of £5,000 is available per business, and applicants must provide at least 25% of the total project costs.

Funds will be paid to successful applicants on completion of all works and will be subject to evidence the work has been completed and relevant invoices issued. Businesses must also show that they are compliant with legislation covering food hygiene and health and safety.

"This fund will provide vital funding to support bakers allowing them to invest in their businesses for the future helping them to meet the needs of the changing modern high-street,” said Scottish Bakers chief executive Alasdair Smith.

"Scottish bakers are skilled crafts people baking fresh goods daily and many of our members are stalwarts of our high streets and communities. And of course a strong bakery sector is also good for Scotland Plc supporting 12,000 jobs securing the future of our much loved daily bread, savoury snacks and sweet treats."

The scheme follows the launch of a capital investment programme, managed by the Scottish Grocers Federation, in 2017 to help small independent grocers introduce food-to-go stations in their stores.

To apply for funding to the Scottish Bakers Grant Scheme, bakers will need to complete an application form and budget form on the Scottish Bakers website. The deadline for applications received is 27 September 2019.

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