Sale businesses can now apply for up to £10,000 to improve their premises
A successful Trafford Council scheme helping traders enhance their premises has been expanded to include more local high streets.
The Northern Light Cinema in Sale has already benefitted from the scheme © The Northern Light Cinema
Businesses in Sale and Sale Moor can now apply for grants alongside those in other Trafford town centres.
The Government-funded Trafford Town Centre Shop Improvement Grant Scheme offers up to £10,000 in match-funding to eligible businesses.
A total of £220,000 is available from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which manages the city-region's Government funding allocation.
New and established ground-floor retail businesses can apply for grants on the condition they match the funding from their own resources. The money can be used for:
Building and renovation works
Measures to help meet low-carbon targets
Improvements to make premises more accessible to people with disabilities
The scheme aims to support both new start-ups and help existing businesses thrive, creating new jobs and improving economic growth across Trafford.
The initiative has already shown impressive results, helping 41 businesses create 28 new full-time equivalent jobs, improving over 2,200 square meters of commercial floorspace and saving 45,000kg of carbon.
The Northern Light Cinema in Stanley Square, Sale received £10,000 to spend on furnishings and decoration. Owner Tony Mundin said:
“We were delighted to receive a grant which enabled us to fit out our interior to a very high standard.
“Local designers produced bespoke wall coverings and fabrics which really set the cinema apart. They are all sourced ethically and sustainably – the fabrics are made from recycled plastic and the papers are FSC-accredited.”
Ashworth Holme estate agents on Washway Road in Sale was also granted £10,000 for refurbishments. Co-founder Andrew Holme said: “Our building was dilapidated but with this help, we were able to bring it back to life.”
Interested parties can find out more and complete an expression of interest form. The application process has been streamlined and simplified since the last round of funding.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: "This is a great opportunity for traders to invest in their shop fronts, make their businesses more accessible, more sustainable and help our high streets look and feel fantastic."
