Wolves businesses urged to take up grant support

WOLVERHAMPTON companies are being urged to apply for a grant to improve their business as part of a scheme to breathe new life into the city centre.

The Southside Business Grants Scheme offers financial support to firms to help them make improvements to their buildings or relocate to new premises. Other support such as business planning and advice is also being offered.

The initiative was launched 18 months ago and saw a £600,000 pot set aside, offering grants to businesses that were directly affected by a compulsory purchase order process that has now lapsed.

To date eight grants have been approved for tenants and landlords of premises located in the Southside area and negotiations are on-going with a further 17. 

Businesses that have been successful in receiving grants include Dainese Silver Machine, DJ Heaven, Spice Avenue and Newell Palmer Associates.

The scheme was originally set to run for 12 months but this was extended until March 31 2013.

With the deadline fast approaching, a number of eligible businesses have yet to come forward and are now being urged to apply and receive the support they are entitled to.

All applications will be assessed by the end of April and successful applicants will then be given sufficient time to complete their project.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said: “Take up of the grant has been slow so far but there are a number of applications in the pipeline. 

“I would urge anyone who has not yet done so to get in touch to ensure that they do not miss out on this opportunity.”