A great opportunity is available for retail businesses in some of Gwynedd’s biggest towns to expand and be more competitive, thanks to a great new scheme by Gwynedd Council.
The Council’s Town Centre Retail Support Scheme has been developed specifically to support the county’s retailers with the provision of specialised support in completing retail reviews for individual businesses. The scheme is part of a package of projects developed by Gwynedd Council to support independent retail businesses in designated towns in the county and has been identified as a priority under the Council’s Responding to the Recession Action Plan.
The scheme, which is already operational in Caernarfon and Blaenau Ffestiniog, aims to increase the competitiveness and growth of retail businesses and to stimulate economic regeneration within designated town centres. The Council is now rolling out the scheme to businesses in Bangor, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, Y Bala, Dolgellau, Barmouth and Tywyn.
For those businesses who declare an interest in receiving this assistance, the Council will arrange for an independent consultant to visit the retailer and to complete a retail review, highlighting any improvements to the business that can be identified.
The scheme will assist new or existing retailers which are excluded from other business support packages. The full cost of undertaking the reviews will be borne by the Council.
Councillor Dewi Lewis, who leads on the Economy and Community for Gwynedd Council:
“Supporting independent businesses in our town centres is of utmost importance to Gwynedd Council and we are committed to offering as much support as possible so that local businesses succeed and thrive.
“The Council’s Town Centre Retail Support Scheme gives retailers a magnificent opportunity to make the most of their businesses and receive guidance on ways to improve and increase competitiveness.”
Assistance is also available under Gwynedd Council’s Shop Frontage Improvement Scheme for retailers who wish to improve the overall external look of their premises and as a result will have a positive impact on the streetscape as a whole.
For more information about these schemes or about other support available for businesses in Gwynedd, contact Gwynedd Council’s Business Support Unit on 01286 679778, email [email protected] or visit: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/business
