Whitley Bay shop is fine plaice thanks to grant!

 

13-AUG-09

Issued by: Jeanette Hedley

A well-known Whitley Bay fish and chip shop is one of the first businesses in the borough to benefit from North Tyneside Council's retail and town centre business grant scheme.

Patrini's, in Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay has used the £5,000 grant - part of the council's response to helping town centres in the economic downturn - towards a shop front refit.

The business's two units now have an updated combined frontage that contributes to the overall regeneration of Whitley Bay, which is a popular destination for visitors.

Lee Taylor, director of Patrini's said: "Whitley Bay has been in need of financial help for some time and this has led to negative press for the area. Local businesses have been asking the council for help and North Tyneside Council has come up with the goods.

"They have offered an excellent grant for renovating the shop fronts and signage in the area, the application process was extremely simple and they have provided help and support throughout to ensure a quick and smooth claims procedure."

The Retail and Town Centre Business Grant Scheme, developed by the council's Retail Centres Task Group, is aimed at helping businesses meet current challenges.

Its criteria are designed to assist town centre businesses cut their energy bills and improve their shops or office frontages with grants of up to 70 percent available.

A total fund of £400,000 has been set aside for the scheme by the authority.

In total 17 businesses have already submitted applications and nearly £50,000 has been allocated to businesses in Whitley Bay, Wallsend and North Shields.

Coun JonJo Macnamara, North Tyneside Council's Cabinet member for Regeneration said: "Vibrant, successful high streets are vital to our town centres and a key part of our commitment to regenerate North Tyneside.

"In difficult economic conditions it is often hard for businesses to find the cash they need to boost their business and support our ambitions. This initiative is about helping our town centres in the short to medium term - providing the financial support businesses need to make their premises more energy efficient so they cut their costs and improving their shop or office frontage, for example with new shutters or signage."

The Retail Centres Task Group - a partnership established by North Tyneside Council - brings together representatives from Chambers of Trades in Wallsend, Whitley Bay and North Shields, USDAW the shop workers union, the Homes and Communities Agencies, Job Centre Plus and council officers

Information for Editors:

Retail & Town Centres Business Grants - businesses can apply for a grant of up to 70% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum of £5,000 per business. The grant is available to independent retail businesses, with a rateable value not exceeding £15,000, located anywhere in North Tyneside and other businesses located in the town centres of North Shields, Wallsend and Whitley Bay (for eligible area see related documents) Eligible expenditure includes;

Improvements to commercial premises (which includes shop frontages, security shutters, new signage, building works - including professional fees).
Cosmetic improvements and enhanced accessibility.
Capital expenditure for environmental improvements. This includes the replacement of electrical equipment/machinery and projects that will reduce energy/resource consumption or incorporate sustainable practice.
To apply for a grant or request further information, please contact us on:

0191 643 6403 or business@northtyneside.gov.uk

Application forms should be submitted to:
Business Grants
Economy and Employment
1st Floor Quadrant,
Cobalt 16, North Tyneside
NE27 0BY

Alternatively you can directly contact a member of our team;

John Angus
Business Development Officer

john.angus@northtyneside.gov.uk

Karen Carr
Business & Employment Projects Officer

Karen.carr@northtyneside.gov.uk

Debbie Lydon Seagroatt
Business Support Officer

Debbie.lydon-seagroatt@northtyneside.gov.uk

Mizan Rouf
Business Development Officer

mizan.rouf@northtyneside.gov.uk