Fledgling retailers in Ross-on-Wye are getting off to a flying start thanks to Herefordshire Council “New Trader Support Grant”.
The scheme aims to help regenerate the Town centre’s retail status by improving the range and quality of retail on offer for residents and tourists.
The Grant is available to retail and hospitality businesses moving into premises in High Street, Broad Street and Brookend Street in Ross-on-Wye town centre to help them pay their business rates.
This scheme is being piloted until September this year, and if it’s successful it could be extended to the other market towns in the County.
“Ross-on-Wye is a beautiful market town and a great attraction for tourists and Herefordshire residents alike,” said Cllr Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council.
“When Ross Chamber of Commerce approached us about implementing a rate relief scheme to encourage new businesses to come into Ross-on-Wye we realised what great potential it could have and set about making it happen.
“We hope this scheme will encourage more retailers and hospitality businesses to come to Ross-on-Wye by offering them a financial helping hand in their first few months.
“More retail and hospitality trade in Ross-on-Wye will make the market town an even more vibrant and bustling place to visit and live, “ he added.
Alison Mogg who opened Grandma Peggy’s, a traditional sweetshop and family museum in Ross-on-Wye in November 2005, is an enthusiastic beneficiary of the scheme.
“Three months of business rate relief has made a huge difference to my business,” said Alison. “It’s given me the time to establish a good local trade and gear up for the tourist season.”
Anyone interested in applying for a New Trader Support Grant should call the Council’s Delegated Grants and Programmes Team on (01432) 260753 or e-mail delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk.