New business grants to fill vacant shops

People who are looking to run their new business within Ashfield district could qualify for a grant from Ashfield District Council to help them set up a stall or shop.

The cash will be available to businesses that have been trading less than 12 months and that are thinking of occupying a vacant shop within Ashfield, a market stall within the Idlewells Indoor Market, or an outdoor market stall in either Sutton, Kirkby or Hucknall.

Coun Jim Aspinall, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, community well-being and planning, said: “This is a really good opportunity for people to access grant funding to help them set up their new business.

“It also means that as a result of the funding vacant shops will be occupied, and the indoor and outdoor market stalls potentially enjoying a higher occupancy rate.

“This is the type of support that individuals are looking for to help them on their way to building a successful business.

“The scheme has the opportunity to get vacant units and market stalls over the three towns occupied creating a vibrant, busy environment for shoppers and traders alike.”

The council scheme has been announced just a week after the Chad revealed that Sutton has been named as one of the most improved towns in the country for reducing the number of empty shops.

But Andrew Wraight, chairman of Sutton Town Centre Group, had said that more work needed to be done to improve vacancy rates in areas such as Low Street.

To learn more about the scheme call Caroline Lomas, at Ashfield & Mansfield regeneration service on Mansfield 463174 or e-mail [email protected].