Decision details

Using funding from a S106 Agreement and funding from the existing Economic Development budget a £25,000 small grant scheme fund has been set up to provide help for independent retailers and facilitate investment in the town centre.

Grants of up to £1000 are available to new and existing small independent businesses to fit out or improve the visual look and appearance of the shop in order to encourage more visitors to the area and improve spend. This can include changes to layout, redecoration (internal and external), new fixtures and fittings, and signage.

The grant will need to be matched with an equal sum of money (if the grant requested is £500, businesses will need to find £500 of match).

The scheme is designed:

·         To bring empty units back into use enabling the creation of new employment opportunities

·         To encourage new business opportunities in the town centre

·         To promote and assist in providing a vibrant and mixed retail offer

·         To enhance the aesthetic appeal of retail areas/centres in the town

The scheme was open to any eligible business to apply for and featured in the local media.

A first batch of applications has been received and assessed and the following applications have met the criteria and are recommended for approval:

Investment

There are sufficient funds in the economic development budget for this commitment.

To agree payment of the grants set out above to the relevant businesses for the listed purposes.

Reason for Recommendation

Support for businesses in the town centre is a key focus for the Council and “improving the quality of the town centre” is one of the top projects in the Corporate Plan, so this programme of support for independent businesses delivers on corporate priorities.

This recommendation has been discussed with the PH (i.e. the Leader of the Council) who supports it.