Jobs secured thanks to growth hub grant

Published: June 24th, 2025

A Leominster equestrian business with a global reputation says a grant it received to attend an international trade show has helped secure jobs.

Shires Equestrian received a £24,999 Research Development & Innovation Fund (RD&I) grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Malcolm Ainge, who founded the company in 1968, said the grant enabled Shires to take a bigger and better trade stand at one of the top international equestrian exhibitions.

He said: “SPOGA is the leading trade fair for the equestrian industry, held annually in Cologne in Germany, and it’s very expensive to exhibit.

“Thanks to the grant from the Herefordshire Growth Fund we were able to take a bigger and better stand which enabled us to elevate how we promote our goods and services.

“That meant we presented a better impression of our business – and of the UK as a supplier of equestrian equipment – to customers and potential customers.

“We currently employ 80 people, and in order to secure those jobs for the future we need a constant flow of orders from the UK and overseas. If we don’t get the orders in, we can’t employ those 80 people, let alone grow the business and expand the workforce.”

Malcolm said that on the back of the grant funding he hoped to employ a further three people in the business.

“It’s good to know that the Herefordshire Growth Hub is there with advice and funding, helping small and large companies deal with all the problems that are thrown at businesses today.”

Nadine Kinsey, economic development manager on behalf of the Herefordshire Growth Hub said: “It’s fantastic to see how the Research Development & Innovation Fund grant has helped Shires Equestrian enhance their international presence and secure jobs in Herefordshire.

“This is exactly what the UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to achieve – supporting businesses to grow and continue providing employment opportunities. We encourage other businesses in the region to get in touch to explore how our various funding programmes might help them achieve their growth ambitions.”

The Herefordshire Growth Fund has now closed but a new research and development grant has been launched is open for expressions of interest until 20 July 2025.

Register your interest.