Stratford District Council offers business support

Following the impending closures of a number of well-known high street stores in Stratford town centre, Stratford-on-Avon District Council and its partners are looking at a variety of options to ensure that the quality of the retail offer in the town centre is maintained.

The District Council offers help in a number of ways for retail businesses moving to the town centre:

• There is free planning advice to new potential occupants of empty shops.

Business rates relief

• Retail relief is available retrospectively for any retail property with a rateable value of up to £50,000 for 2014/15 (£1,000 relief) and 2015/16 (£1,500 relief). Applications can be made up to 30^th September 2016.
• Reoccupation relief of 50% can be awarded for 18 months for businesses that moved into previously empty retail premises between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2016.
• Hardship relief is a discretionary relief available for any business that is suffering financial hardship. Full details need to be provided on the application including the last two year's audited accounts

For businesses wishing to set up or relocate to the town, a variety of  business support and advice is available ranging from  inward investment opportunities, new business start-up advice,  the provision of data, and intelligence, business planning, exporting, access to funding and finance, apprenticeship opportunities, mentoring and more. 

The District Council's new Business Centre, Venture House provides office units and hot-desking opportunities for new business start-ups and existing small businesses to grow their business.

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “It is terribly sad to see major High Street brands closing down, particularly national institutions such as BHS and Currys.  The main concern now must be for the staff and what can be done to help them secure alternative employment.  We are keen to attract new businesses to empty town centre shops to sustain our shopping offer.

“Changing shopping habits and increased use of on-line shopping have created a whole new set of challenges for every town centre.  Despite these closures our town centre remains active with business, leisure, retail and employment opportunities through new redevelopment schemes such as Bell Court and Red Lion Court.

“Whilst these closures are to be regretted, Stratford-on-Avon District retains a lively and varied retail offer and this Council will continue to work with partners to create an environment where our High Streets prosper, creating job opportunities and vibrant places to shop for our residents."