The local community radio station, Rutland and Stamford Sound, has achieved a major success by being awarded a grant from Ofcom's Community Radio Fund. To receive the award, Rutland and Stamford Sound had to compete against community radio stations based all over the UK, with only eleven grants awarded from eighty-one applications.

The station has been provided with grant funding to pay for a new part-time Business Development Officer. The Business Development Officer will work alongside Station Manager, Rob Persani, with the objective of helping the station to build its long-term financial and operational sustainability.

Rob Persani explained more about this exciting development: 'We were not able to apply for the Ofcom grant until we launched our DAB service in May this year. To be successful with our first application, against stiff opposition from other stations, is a real testament to the hard work put in by our volunteers. Ofcom were clearly impressed by what the team at Rutland and Stamford Sound has achieved over the past three years in creating a much-loved community asset.'

'We are very grateful to all our supporters across Rutland and Stamford who have helped us reach this stage,' said Persani. 'As we continue to develop, alongside establishing a sustainable not-for-profit community radio station, we anticipate having more opportunities for people from the local community to volunteer with us. While the Business Development Officer will play a key role in strengthening our partnerships with local businesses and community organisations, volunteers will continue to fill most of the roles at Rutland and Stamford Sound, both on the presenting side and in back-office support positions.'

For more information on the new position of part-time Business Development Officer or to express an interest in applying for the role, please visit Rutland and Stamford Sound's website.

Rutland and Stamford Sound has been broadcasting since March 2021 on smart speakers, on mobile phone apps and online. In May this year the station launched a trial on DAB+ radio in the local area, providing an additional way to listen, both at home and in the car. Having completed the trial, the station is now working with the relevant third parties to address learnings from the pilot, with the aim of making the DAB+ service available for the long-term.