To incentivise small, independent businesses substantial post-Covid recovery grants are being made available courtesy of Fylde Council. Businesses locating to, or expanding into, vacant premises could be eligible to receive 50 per cent of the set-up, shop fit, refit or branding costs at a value of up to £10,000.

These generous grants are aimed not only to support local businesses but also stimulate the town centre economies in Lytham, St Anne’s and Kirkham.

The new grant has been established to support the recovery of the local economy with one of the key criteria being that eligible businesses must be able to attract people to the high street.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: ‘The council has made a commitment to support the recovery of the local economy following the huge challenges we have faced during the pandemic. A vitally important element of our economy is the small independent businesses in our three town centres. Even before the pandemic they were facing severe challenges and having to reinvent themselves. We hope this grant will incentivise businesses and help breathe new life into Lytham, St Anne’s and Kirkham at this critical time.’

Businesses that meet the following key criteria can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) New Premises Scheme between 1 March 2021 and 31 December 2021:

• Moving or expanding into a vacant premise in the town centre
• Offering an in-person service that would generate footfall
• Is a small independent sole trader/operator or locally based chain
• Premises must be in specific locations and include ground floor shop frontage

Applications will also be assessed on whether the business operates in a priority sector for the local economy which includes retail, hospitality, leisure and tourism and whether it fills a gap in the market to attract people to the town centres throughout the week.

The grant would also support costs from operating in a Covid-secure manner such as one-way systems, plastic screens, procurement of PPE and hygiene provisions, or employment of additional staff to manage Covid-secure measures.

Denize Ashton, chairman of the Lytham Business Partnership, added, ‘The grant offering is a not to be missed opportunity if you have a business plan in mind and a fantastic way of attracting brand new independent business into the Fylde area or helping existing ones expand into other locations. People have had enough of identikit high streets and are hankering after something you cannot find everywhere, either to buy, eat or experience. I hope fledgling business will give this offer serious consideration.’

Full terms and conditions and details about how to apply can be found at https://www.fylde.gov.uk/argnewpremises/

For more information on Covid-19 support grants visit: https://new.fylde.gov.uk/covid-business-guidance/