Business funding boost helps Southam retailers face the future

Sixteen business owners based in Southam town centre have secured over £46,000 of grant funding to improve, develop and expand their businesses. This has been enabled through business support grants allocated by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to retailers who have successfully applied for money to purchase items such as bespoke shop fittings, new windows and doors, signage, websites, display units and IT equipment.

Among the initial recipients of this funding were Keith and Zoe Medgett who opened their new business, Preens Beauty and Health Centre, on Market Hill in May. A New Start-up Business Grant and a Shopfront Improvement Grant helped create a high-quality beauty and treatment salon in a property which had previously stood empty for over two years.

Keith says: “Preens has benefitted from both the new business and shop front grants. These have been a great help in setting up our new premises. We are looking forward to a bright future, and hope other businesses will take advantage of the help on offer to make the high street a great place to be."

Jacqueline the Florist, one of the longest-established businesses in Southam, has also received this development funding. New owner Carol Harratt has stamped her own mark on the shop with the help of a Business Support Grant and says: “The grant has enabled me to update my display counters which have enhanced the overall appearance of the shop. Financial support at such a difficult economic time means that a shop which has been serving the people of Southam for 45 years will continue to provide excellent service for many years to come."

Speaking about the impact this financial support has had so far, Dave Webb, Head of Business, Housing and Revenues at Stratford District Council, said: “The three support grants available for businesses in the town centre area have helped business owners improve their premises, adopt new technologies, diversify their range of products and services, and develop new marketing tools. This is a unique funding opportunity which we hope as many businesses as possible in Southam town centre will take advantage of."

Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council added: “The District Council is working hard to support local businesses as we need them to ensure the vitality of market towns such as Southam. I would urge all retailers to make the most of this opportunity through the small amount of funding available.  This is an excellent initiative and I'm sure this business support will help lift the whole area and provide a significant boost to the local economy."

Over half of this grant funding has now been allocated – Qualifying businesses located in the town centre which have not yet benefitted from this invaluable cash injection are urged to move fast and apply now in order not to miss out!

For further information and application forms contact Katherine Geddes, Dassett Area  Co-ordinator, on 01789 260102 or on katherine.geddes@stratford-dc.gov.uk

This financial support forms part of the funding secured for town centre improvements from the Tesco development.