£300k shopfront scheme open for business

Three neighbouring businesses had their shopfronts transformed thanks to a council retail improvement scheme – now they are urging other firms to do the same.

JJs Barbers, the Beauty Box and GMG Consultancy sit side by side in Renfrew’s Paisley Road – and all are boasting shiny new exteriors.

The firms were among 24 businesses to benefit from Renfrewshire Council’s 2013/4 Retail Improvement Scheme – which has just been relaunched for another year.

The scheme – part of the council’s Invest in Renfrewshire programme to boost the local economy – has been given an enhanced budget of £300,000 for 2014/5.

Last year’s scheme was so popular that the entire £200k budget was spent, which is why councillors agreed to pump in an extra £100k this year.

Small businesses in retail areas throughout Renfrewshire can now apply for grants of up to £10k, or 80% of costs, to fund shopfront work.

Councillor Roy Glen, convener of the council’s Economy and Jobs Board, paid a visit to Renfrew to meet the three firms to find out how their grants had helped.

He was met by Janice Burgess and Janet McIntosh of JJs Barbers, Grant MacGregor of GMG Construction Consultancy, and Doreen Black of the Beauty Box.

Janice said: “The work has made a huge difference to the look of the shop and been a massive help to the business – everyone has commented on it.”

Grant added: “It’s a great scheme – other businesses would be crazy if they don’t look into it!”

Councillor Glen added: “It was great to meet with the business owners and to hear how positive they were about the retail improvement scheme.

“Helping local businesses to grow is one of the biggest priorities of the council, which is why we have made a significant financial commitment to the Invest in Renfrewshire programme.

“This money will not only give local retailers a boost, but it will help improve the appearance of the whole area too.”

The scheme is open to any small business in a retail area throughout Renfrewshire other than in Paisley town centre, where a separate property improvement grant scheme is available.

To find out more about either scheme, please call 0300 3000 144.

 

For more information, call Colin Orr, Renfrewshire Council Communications Unit, on 0141 618 7348.

Group shot shows Doreen Black, Janet McIntosh, Cllr Roy Glen, Janice Burgess and Grant MacGregor.

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