Rural business expands with support from the Rural England Prosperity Fund
A long‑established Test Valley business has taken a major step forward with the development of a new modern office building, supported by a £20,000 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
BF Keane Electrical Contractors Ltd, based at Testwood Farm in Lopcombe, has been providing electrical services since 1991 to commercial customers across Hampshire including Hampshire County Council, leisure centres and NHS sites. The business employs local people and has trained more than 50 apprentices over the years in partnership with local colleges including Andover College.
The company had outgrown its previous building and began working on a spacious, energy‑efficient new premises featuring solar panels and improved workspace for staff. The development also includes dedicated space that will be made available for other rural businesses once complete, helping to support the local economy.
The project has been delivered using local tradespeople and materials throughout.
Juliet Keane, from BF Keane Electrical Contractors Ltd, said: “We are grateful to Test Valley Borough Council for the REPF grant, which has supported the ongoing development of our new office building. While the project is still in progress, the funding has helped us move forward and invest in our facilities. As a local business, we are proud to employ local people and to have used local trades throughout the build. The new premises will support the continued growth of BF Keane Electrical Contractors Ltd, and we look forward to providing office space for other local businesses once the project is complete.”
Councillor Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for climate and countryside, said: “This is a great example of how the Rural England Prosperity Fund can help rural businesses grow in a way that supports both the local economy and the environment. BF Keane Electrical Contractors Ltd has created a high‑quality, energy‑efficient building using local skills and materials. I’m pleased that the project will also provide space for other rural businesses, offering long‑term benefits for the wider community.”
The UK Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that provides capital funding for rural business and rural communities. TVBC received over £150k for 2025-26 which is being distributed between businesses and community organisations across the rural areas of our borough to help develop our rural economy. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus