Cash grants are just the job for small businesses

Nov 4 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

FIRMS in North Tyneside have landed more than £250,000 from a council scheme to improve their property and help them beat the recession.

The scheme saw 27 businesses get a share of £103,225 which in turn attracted another £153,696 in private sector funding.

John O’Connor has used his £5,000 grant to redesign the Trendy Art photography studio he runs with his wife Joanne in Whitley Bay.

“This money has let us create a space that’s exactly what we wanted and now we have facilities that are perfect for our operation,” he said.

“There’s new signage, a built-in studio and a viewing room that lets families look at their images before they purchase.”

A total of £400,000 is available from the scheme, developed by the Retail Centres Task Group and delivered by North Tyneside Council, which helps businesses cut energy bills, improve their shops or office frontages and enhance accessibility with grants of up to 70% of the total cost.

Coun Jon Jo Macnamara, of North Tyneside Council, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring our local businesses are supported, particularly in this tough economic climate.

“That’s why we are providing people such as John with grants, enabling our town centres to flourish, which is a vital part of our commitment to regenerate North Tyneside.”