PUBS in Fenland have been boosted by news that a third round of funding has been announced to help them stay open for business.

The funding, available across Cambridgeshire, allows any rural pub in the county to apply for a grant of up to �1,500 to use towards business development and revenue expenditure costs.

The scheme is financed by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and can be accessed via Business Link.

Edwin Jones, Business Link’s Rural Affairs Partnership Director, said: “So far, more than 200 pubs have benefited from grants awarded during the course of the initial funding rounds.

“From website development, to structural improvements and marketing campaigns, publicans have embraced the opportunity to seek external advice from a Business Link Adviser and successfully implement a plan of action.”

In the first instance, publicans should contact Business Link on 08457 17 16 15. Up to 70 grants are available until February 2011 and these will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Business Link Advisers will then undertake a confidential and independent review of the pub business, providing a ‘health check’ that will highlight potential areas for development, such as marketing, training and financial planning, to help the business grow and improve its customer base.

Grant funding can be allocated to help publicans focus on the areas of their business that are most in need.

Mr Jones added: “This additional funding has come at a crucial time for the industry as, in our increasingly challenging economy, many pubs have been forced to call last orders for good.

“Through identifying and addressing areas for improvement, publicans can survive, thrive and stay open for business for years to come.”

Grants will be awarded to rural pubs that meet the qualification criteria and work with a Business Link Adviser to improve their business.

Contact Business Link on 08457 17 16 15 or visit www.businesslink.co.uk/east for further information.