Telford high street regeneration project receives national praise

Through its Pride in Our High Street (PiOHS) initiative, Telford & Wrekin Council has been investing to help revive the town's high streets since 2018.

The scheme has received recognition through the national High Street Awards and by the Local Government Association, which is using Telford as a case study.

Through the initiative, the council has created Revive and Thrive Diversification grants from £500 to £4,000, available to businesses in Wellington, Oakengates, Dawley, Ironbridge, Newport and Madeley.

Since the grant opened in September last year, 17 have been awarded with the successful applicants ranging from men’s outfitters to beauty salons and gift shops. A few examples include businesses that have been helped to create websites, been supported with the equipment needed to take electronic payments, helped with new branding and with eco-friendly packaging to change their brand appeal.

Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member for neighbourhood, commercial services and regeneration, said: “The initiative reflects lessons learned through Covid about how important it is for businesses to adapt and how they can do this even in the face of great challenges. The council has been so impressed by the commitment and determination of so many of our businesses to not just survive but to thrive. We’re committed to keep investing into our local high streets.”

Support

Recipients of the grant include Kings in Oakengates, which had funding to create an online presence and shop allowing customers to browse online.

Business owner Mal Johnson said: “We have served many generations of the Oakengates community and we are determined to adapt to the new ways of shopping so we can continue to offer our high street retail service to our loyal customers."

Sweetcheeks Academy & Beauty Salon in Dawley had funding to pay for new signage to promote the opening of a new training academy and to purchase new equipment to extend their range of treatments.

Business owner Sophie Williams said: “We’ve built a business that is really valued by the community and is a great feature of Dawley High Street. This new grant will really help us to diversify and continue to grow our business in spite of all the challenges at the moment."

The grants are administered by the PIOHS team at the council, which can advise on whether a business is eligible for funding, how to apply and give details of any conditions attached to the funding.

To apply for a grant either visit the council’s website or telephone Joy McGeown, project manager, on 01952383784.