To mark the first anniversary of the Government’s Plan For Jobs, Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster visited Kents Cavern to meet with owner Nick Powe and his staff, who have benefited from government support, including the furlough scheme and Cultural Recovery Fund.
Since the beginning of the crisis, the government has rolled out one of the most generous packages of support in the world to safeguard businesses and livelihoods across the UK, including the furlough and self-employment support schemes which have helped thousands of South Devon workers.
Kents Cavern, Britain’s oldest Scheduled Ancient Monument, also received £219,800 from the Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage in October 2020
Kevin said: “Over the last year local businesses, such as Kents Cavern, faced an unprecedented situation, but with all staff now back from furlough and many days fully booked with visitors it is one of many unique local businesses helping lead the recovery of our iconic tourism sector.”
Nick Powe said: “The Furlough scheme, the Cultural Recovery Fund and other hospitality grants have allowed us to still be here.”
“There is no doubt this support has been a life-line for Kents Cavern as a viable and sustainable visitor attraction. It has allowed us to retain key and seasonal staff, and to support overheads we have as a private owner of a Britain’s oldest Scheduled Ancient Monument, balancing curatorial protection and responsibility with commercial operations.”
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