Independent businesses across West Suffolk can now receive a grant towards the cost of repainting the front of their shop or premises.
Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council which recently adopted a shop fronts guide, has now launched a shop front painting scheme.
Businesses can apply for up to 75 per cent of the costs of repainting the front of their premises. The scheme is available on a first come first served basis and is
subject to terms and conditions including a maximum grant of £500 per applicant.
Cllr David Bowman, Forest Heath Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Tourism said: “A shop front is a business’s best opportunity to advertise and entice potential customers through its doors. A lick of paint could make the difference between whether someone simply passes by or discovers your business, opens the door and puts money in your till.”
Cllr Alaric Pugh, St Edmundsbury’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: “Every business knows the importance of first impressions and to a new customer of an independent retailer or other commercial business, that decision whether to go in will undoubtedly be based on the appearance of the shop front.
“A good shop front adds interest to the street scene – a bad one detracts from its neighbouring businesses. Independent shops and businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and this grant is there to help them help themselves to succeed.”
To enquire about the shop front painting scheme contact Natasha Brockett, economic growth officer.
