[T]IME is running out to upgrade business premises at a fraction of the cost.
So far, more than £300k has been invested in 57 businesses in Copeland as part of Copeland Borough Council’s building grants scheme, and there’s less than one month left to apply.
Businesses can apply for up to £5,000 for improvements to shopfronts, windows and frames, doorways, external decoration and signage. The closing date for applications is September 1, 2018.
The Council has received 225 enquires from Copeland businesses so far. The scheme is open to all commercial premises in the borough (excluding industrial estates, business parks and sports clubs).
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, has pledged £500k to the scheme, launched in July 2017. He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to upgrade their premises for a fraction of the cost.
“We all want to see our local economy flourishing and we understand that some businesses may struggle to upgrade their premises without assistance.
“It is imperative that we support local businesses in any way we can and improving the visual aspect of our towns and villages is key to encouraging visitors and residents to our high streets and making Copeland a better place to live, work and visit.”
Grants are awarded for up to 50 per cent of the cost of the works, which means that businesses are required to invest in their premises to match-fund the grant.
The council advises that any business looking to improve the external signage or make significant changes to the external appearance of their premises may need to apply for planning permission. Businesses who wish to apply for a grant to support these changes must contact the Council’s planning department by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible to ensure they meet the closing date for grant applications.
The scheme is part of the Council’s Pride of Place campaign which encourages residents and businesses to take pride in their borough and work towards making Copeland a better place to live, work and visit.
For more information contact Copeland Council’s Economic Development Department by email at [email protected] or by calling 01946 598433.
