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Major scheme launched to attract new retailers
An innovative new grants scheme is being launched in Rotherham, which aims to help attract new, specialist independent retailers into the town centre.
The initiative is funded by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and developed by its Rotherham Town Centre Management team as part of a major drive to improve the range of shops and reduce the number of empty units. Its key focus is to appeal to new businesses, although it is also open to existing independents that are looking to expand into an additional shop.
The scheme will provide contributions to rent over a two-year period, with up to 50% of the rental in year one and 25% in year two, as well as support towards shop fitting costs.
Town Centre Manager Julie Roberts said: "We all know how difficult the current environment is. We recognised that we had to take further action to support town centre retail and need to work in partnership with both existing and potential retailers to move things forward.
"This business grant scheme aims to do just that by encouraging retailers to open up in Rotherham while at the same time providing existing retailers with an opportunity to grow. Our priorities are to improve the quality and diversity of our shopping offer, reduce the number of vacant shops and ultimately increase footfall into the town centre."
To qualify for the rental contribution grant, the property needs to have a maximum rental value of £25,000 a year and the business will sign up to a free one-year business support scheme with a business adviser provided through Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. Applicants should be independent traders and not part of a national chain or regionally-owned multiples, but retailers with less than nine shops or who run a franchise will be considered.
Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Lewis said: "This grants scheme is great news for the town centre and we hope by offering these incentives, and level of support, the new businesses will help strengthen the shopping offer, thereby boosting trade for our existing retailers."
One of the key aims of the scheme is to improve the shopping experience by creating a town centre that has a wide range of quality niche independents. As a result, a portfolio wish-list was identified, based on retail mix analysis and consumer research that includes categories such as high-quality coffee houses, premium clothes and accessories shops, specialist toys, home interiors and delicatessens.
The council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development, Cllr Gerald Smith, said: "The development of a strong independent retail sector is critical if we want to create a vibrant town centre, which is what this business grant scheme is all about. Despite the economic climate we are confident that with our support there are some great opportunities for entrepreneurs."
Once launched, the initiative will be extended to include shop-front improvement grants for existing retailers in priority areas as well as street-cafe grants to help cover the cost of street-café furniture, canopies and outside areas.
For more information about the various grants contact Rotherham Town Centre Management on 01709 336854.
