ORGANISERS of eat:Festivals have launched a bursary scheme for new businesses to enable them to make their first steps into trading.

The bursary, which is sponsored by Thatchers Cider, aims to encourage business start-ups to consider festival trading and an entrepreneurial spirit in Somerset.

The producers will benefit from a free pitch at the eat:Weston festival in September and there is support from the organisers throughout the year.

Sarah Milner Simonds, co-founder of eat:Festivals, said: “We want local businesses to benefit from the festival. By partnering with Thatchers Cider we are able to offer a chance for new businesses to make their first steps into trading.

"We recognise we have an opportunity to assist in developing the skills, abilities and knowledge of all food and drink producers.”

The bursary is for food and drink producers who have not engaged in the retail trade before.

Martin Thatcher of Thatchers Cider said: “After such a difficult few months for everyone, it’s fantastic that eat:Festivals are planning their return to eat:Weston in September.

"It will be a much-welcomed return for traders who excel in such a diverse array of local food and drink. The Thatchers Bursary gives an opportunity for first time traders to introduce their produce to visitors, and we’re looking forward to selecting this year’s recipients with Beverley and Sarah over the coming months.”

Bev Milner Simonds, joint festival director said the scheme is designed to encourage business start-up and self employment in the area and she hopes the opportunity will be seized on by local traders.

One trader who benefitted from the scheme is Nikki Seymour, owner of Bake me Crazy.

Nikki was awarded the Thatchers Bursary to trade at eat:Minehead last year and said the advice she received helped her to have a 'brilliant' day of trading.

"I was awarded a Thatchers Bursary to trade at eat:Minehead festival in 2019, it has been great to join the #eatfestivalsfamily. We had access to expert advice on how to get the best out of the day, free publicity, as well as being able to trade for free. We love meeting customers face to face; getting feedback and discussing new orders. We had a brilliant day's trade and the feedback was tremendous."

Interested businesses need to complete the form at www.eatfestivals.org before August 1 and there are 10 bursary places at the eat:Weston event on September 26.

For more information about the bursary or the festivals visit www.eatfestivals.org