Parks have funded guest apps with grants such as UKSPF. See how Meadowhead paid for theirs with a Scottish Government grant and where UKSPF stands now.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has now reached the end of its spending period, but the steps parks followed to win funding are a plan you can reuse for any grant.
On this page
Staying ahead of the competition matters, and the move to digital experiences means new technology is no longer a nice-to-have. But when every cost is under review, paying for something new can feel out of reach.
It doesn’t have to be. Meadowhead, a Holidaymaker client, funded their guest app with a Scottish Government grant.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund was the government’s domestic replacement for the European Structural and Investment programme. It was paid out through lead local authorities (combined authorities, districts and unitary authorities) to support communities, local businesses and skills.
In 2024 we suggested hospitality businesses look at it for guest experience technology such as an app. What a council would fund depended on its own local plan, so the first job was always to ask.
Where it stands now: the 2025 to 2026 extension required funded activity to take place on or before 30 September 2026, and no funding is provided for activity after that date. If you are planning a project today, speak to your council’s economic development team about what local funding exists now.
The steps below are how we suggested going about a UKSPF bid. They suit most local grant applications.
Work out which local authority covers your park, using the GOV.UK delivery geographies page. Then contact its economic development team to find out what funding is available in your area. The amount on offer can vary from council to council.
Show the benefits of your app. Explain how it solves problems for guests and improves their stay, for example easier booking and local recommendations. Use numbers to show the impact you expect: happier guests, more visitors, more money spent in local businesses. Funders want results, so focus on outcomes you can measure.
Build a clear plan and budget. Set out the development process, the timeline and the costs. Break the budget down and justify each line, so it shows value for money.
Show how it fits local priorities. Check your local authority’s investment plan, which is usually on its website, and look for other local funding while you are there. Then explain how your app supports those priorities, for example by:
Spell out what a guest app does for your venue:
“I see the app as fundamental to us developing our customer offering and in keeping in touch with customer prior, during and post-holiday, and it’s not all about sending sales messages but rather building a relationship.” Alex Benson, Meadowhead Camping & Caravanning Parks
Team up for a stronger bid. Partner with local authorities, tourism boards or local businesses. It shows wider support, and it ties your project to work already under way. A tourism board partnership, for example, could link your app to local attractions.
Ask for help. It helps to talk to people who know the process, such as grant writers or consultants.
“Very satisfied with support from Holidaymaker, who listen, provide great on-site support including team user orientation, we continue to develop ideas and ways we can use the app as our journey with Holidaymaker continues, the insight metrics are also growing because of listening to our feedback, onwards and upwards!!” Alex Benson, Meadowhead Camping & Caravanning Parks
Stay up to date. Check your local authority’s website regularly for funding announcements, priorities and deadlines.
Cover photo by Kevin Dowling on Unsplash
Related reading: guest apps as a smart investment.
Alex Benson
Meadowhead Camping & Caravanning Parks
Alex Benson
Meadowhead Camping & Caravanning Parks
Commission, staff time and guest loyalty all affect your return. See how a branded guest app helps you win more direct bookings, cut commission and encourage repeat stays.
Read more
Staff are stretched and guests expect more from technology. See how a branded guest app keeps guests informed, cuts paper and repeat questions, and promotes events and offers.
Read more
Your guests are on their phones all day. See how promotions, food and beverage, events and holiday home sales can sit inside a guest app, with simple ideas to start.
Read more