Business support offered to Stratford-upon-Avon retailers
HELP is being offered to ensure the quality of the retail offer in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre is maintained, following the impending closures of a number of well-known high street stores.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council and its partners are offering various options for retail businesses moving to the town centre.
There is free planning advice to new potential occupants of empty shops, as well as business rates relief.
Retail relief is available retrospectively for any retail property with a rateable value of up to £50,000 for 2014/15 (£1,000 relief) and for 2015/16 (£1,500 relief). Applications can be made up to Friday 30 September.
Meanwhile, reoccupation relief of 50 per cent can be awarded for 18 months for businesses that moved into previously empty retail premises between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2016.
Hardship relief is a discretionary relief available for any business that is suffering financial hardship. Full details need to be provided on the application including the last two year’s audited accounts.
For businesses wishing to set up or relocate to the town, a variety of business support and advice is available, ranging from inward investment opportunities, new business start-up advice, the provision of data, and intelligence, business planning, exporting, access to funding and finance, apprenticeship opportunities, mentoring and more.
The district council’s new business centre, Venture House, provides office units and hot-desking opportunities for new business start-ups and existing small businesses to grow their business.
Cllr Chris Saint, leader of the district council (Cons, Shipston-on-Stour) said: “It is terribly sad to see major High Street brands closing down, particularly national institutions such as BHS and Currys.
“The main concern now must be for the staff and what can be done to help them secure alternative employment.”
He continued: “We are keen to attract new businesses to empty town centre shops to sustain our shopping offer.
“Changing shopping habits and increased use of on-line shopping have created a whole new set of challenges for every town centre.”
Cllr Saint said that despite these closures the town centre remains active with business, leisure, retail and employment opportunities through new redevelopment schemes such as Bell Court and Red Lion Court.
He added: “Whilst these closures are to be regretted, Stratford District retains a lively and varied retail offer and this council will continue to work with partners to create an environment where our high streets prosper, creating job opportunities and vibrant places to shop for our residents.”