£10m is not enough for me

If you looked at last week’s headlines, you might have caught wind of the government’s shiny new £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme. On paper, it does sound great – government cash designed to help new venues launch, revive empty spaces and fund training, with applications opening at the end of this month.

But as someone who spends most of my week trying to stop utility bills from devouring my operational budget, my immediate reaction was Show me the money.

Then I did what any cynical, battle-tested operator does – I read the small print. And according to the reality-checking breakdown on Startups.co.uk, if you’re an existing, hard-grafting independent restaurant, cafe or city bar currently getting ground down by inflation and wage hikes, this £10m pot isn’t for you.

It is almost entirely earmarked for brand-new setups that plan to bring vacant properties back to life, and a £3m slice specifically allocated to Pub is the Hub for rural venues, adding things like community shops or play areas.

• If you’re launching or expanding into an empty unit, get your paperwork ready now: The Department for Business and Trade portal opens at the end of September. Don’t wait until then to draft your business plan or register your account – get your numbers ready today so you’re first in line.

• If you’re a rural pub, look at diversification: That £3m Pub is the Hub allocation is real money. If adding a parcel pick-up point, community cafe, or local store keeps your doors open, swallow your pride and apply. Diversification isn’t a vanity project anymore – it’s basic survival.

• Don’t ignore the cash available right now: You don’t have to wait until the end of the month. Schemes like the Zero Carbon Hospitality initiative (to cut energy bills) and local council sustainability grants are open right now. Stop leaving money on the table while waiting for Whitehall.

Matt Harris - Founder of Planet of the Grapes

Matt started his Food & Beverage journey aged 19 working at Thresher's in Brixton. With a WSET diploma in wine and spirits under his belt, he went on to establish wine merchants Planet of the Grapes in 2004. Now - at the ripe old age of 52 - Matt's empire includes multiple venues around London including bars in Leadenhall Market and East Dulwich as well as restaurant Fox Fine Wines & Spirits at London Wall.

Planet of the Grapes

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