Member Article

Funding support for independent traders in Oldham

Oldham Council’s scheme to support new and existing independent traders in Shaw and Lees district centres could soon start paying dividends.

In July, Cabinet approved plans to invest a total of £200,000 - £100,000 in each district - offering Building Improvement Grants to local businesses.

Businesses can apply for 50 per cent of the cost to improve the external appearance of their premises, bring a building back into use, improve their shop fronts, install new improved signage or make internal alterations. The maximum grant will be £3,000.

The authority says that priority will be given to applications that maximise visual improvement, have a sustainable business plan, and where the improvement is likely to lead to long term growth.

The grants will complement the business support services already available to help firms develop ideas for business growth.

As part of the proposals two review panels – one for each district centre – have been set-up to consider grant applications.

In Lees, a number of businesses have already expressed interest in the scheme.

Council officers are currently helping these interested parties with bid applications so that they have a sound business case to take in front of the panel.

In Shaw leaflets are being delivered to local businesses giving more details about the scheme.

The £100,000 being invested in Shaw is in addition to up to £120,000 the council has earmarked for Shaw Market.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism, said: “Our high streets and shopping habits have changed in recent years due to online trading, out-of-town retail parks and supermarket chains setting up in districts.

“That’s why it is important that we support independent traders and do our bit to help existing businesses and attract new ones.

“This investment will help Shaw and Lees retain their distinctiveness, improve as areas and create new job opportunities as part of our Get Oldham Working campaign.

“In Lees village we’ve already had a number of traders come forward enquiring about what funding is on offer. The district has fewer national traders than places like Shaw, for example, so these independent traders could benefit from support.

“In Shaw we want to capitalise on the arrival of Metrolink and build our proposals for the market and enhance the vibrancy of Market Street and the surrounding streets.

“For all our district centres to succeed it is vital that residents continue to use them and continue to shop locally.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .