Sarah Mangan, Owner of Celebrations Cards and Gifts on Clifton Street, has received a £10,000 grant from the Vacant Premises Fund, which is dedicated to boosting our town centres across the Fylde. This initiative enables businesses locating to, or expanding into, vacant town centre premises to apply to receive 50 per cent of the set-up, shop fit, refit or branding costs at a value of up to £10,000.

Sarah explained, ‘It was such a boost, and gave me a lot more freedom to do things in the best possible way, rather than compromising due to tighter budget constraints. The council has been amazing, and so helpful. Both the grant and the support from the team came at just the right time. I was able to use the money to completely refurbish the shop; from counter and card units, to toilets, shelving and a fresh new frontage. Obviously high street retail suffered during the pandemic when all the ‘non-essential’ shops had to close last year.

‘The new shop in Lytham is going really well. I’m delighted to be part of the high street here and to play a small part in so many people’s special occasions. It’s really lovely to see customers face to face again, and to watch them take their time choosing just the right card or gift for friends and family.’

Councillor Michael Sayward presented the cheque to Sarah saying, ‘I’m so pleased that the ARG grant was available to help in setting up the Lytham Celebrations store Sarah had been working towards, and I have no doubt she will make a success of it as she’s obviously very committed. Not only has Celebrations survived a pandemic, it is thriving and I’m delighted that this valuable support was available for such a deserving local business to expand.’