Esher
Contract
£159.25 per day PAYE
Our client is looking for an experienced Business Engagement and Grants Officer
Minimum 2 days a week in the office & the flexibility to work in the office as required.
This is one of many roles we are recruiting for please visit our website colbernlimited co uk
You will be part of the Economic Development team, which sits within the broader Policy & Performance service area. The Economic Development team supports the vitality, resilience and long‑term success of Elmbridge’s economy, with a particular focus on independent businesses, SMEs and our town and village centre high streets. The team leads projects and partnerships that strengthen local centres, improve the trading environment, support business growth and deliver targeted grant programmes
The main purpose of the role:
* strengthen Elmbridge’s town and village centre high streets through hands-on business engagement and direct outreach to independent businesses and SMEs
* promote, administer and deliver over £100,000 of business-facing grants, supporting shopfront improvements, empty unit activation, online trading support, energy efficiency measures and outdoor seating projects
* build strong relationships with independent high‑street businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), chambers of commerce, traders’ associations and business groups
* provide clear, accessible support and signposting to other council services to help businesses thrive
* contribute to wider projects and initiatives that improve the trading environment and strengthen Elmbridge’s high streets
Specific duties and responsibilities
This is not a comprehensive list of all the tasks which may be required of the post holder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. This job description may therefore be amended in consultation with the postholder.
Business engagement and support
* Be a visible and proactive presence across Elmbridge’s high streets, regularly walking town and village centres and confidently stepping into independent retail, hospitality, leisure and service businesses to offer support.
* Build strong, trusted relationships with independent business owners, SMEs, traders, BIDs, chambers of commerce and business groups.
* Work with the Communications team to develop and publish business‑grants communications, including newsletters, website content, social media and promotional campaigns.
* Act as a first point of contact for business grants and signpost wider council services such as planning, licensing, environmental health, waste and business rates.
* Collaborate with internal teams—including Planning, Environmental Health, Licensing, Property Services, Parking and Communications—to provide joined‑up support for businesses.
* Represent the Council at business meetings, workshops, networking events and town‑centre stakeholder sessions.
Grants and funding administration
* Deliver and help administer Elmbridge’s high‑street grants programme, supporting the distribution of over £100,000 to independent businesses and SMEs.
* Provide hands‑on support to businesses applying for funding, including proposals for shopfront and signage improvements, bringing empty units back into use, online‑trading support, energy‑efficiency measures and outdoor seating for cafés and restaurants.
* Manage the full lifecycle of grant administration: eligibility checks, assessment, decision documentation, grant agreements, compliance monitoring and payment processing.
* Maintain accurate, audit‑ready grant records and ensure delivery aligns with grant criteria and terms and conditions.
* Prepare monitoring reports, evaluations and case studies to demonstrate impact.
Programme and project support
* Assist in delivering projects that enhance the vitality of town and village centres, including placemaking initiatives, high‑street events and campaigns to promote local businesses.
* Support initiatives that improve the trading environment for retail, leisure, hospitality and the night‑time economy.
* Work with colleagues across the organisation on cross‑cutting projects that impact the business community.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES colbernlimited co uk
The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be short listed Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer
Salary description
£159.00 - £159.00 per day