New grant scheme in Market Drayton praised by businesses

But business owners have warned that money handed out by Market Drayton Business Grant Scheme must go to the right projects to help the town thrive.

The grant scheme, of up to £450,000, has been launched to support the growth of new and existing businesses in the town and also in the hope of attracting companies to the area.

The grants are available to eligible businesses for projects which will focus on creating jobs, increasing turnover and bringing investment to the town.

The scheme will be funded by Shropshire Council and delivered by Marches Growth Hub.

Madeline Grainger, owner of Temptations Fine Jewellery in Queen Street, said she welcomed the new grant scheme.

She said: "I do hope that this will help particularly, struggling existing businesses.

"My only reservation is that in the past grants have been given for new businesses that are only copying what is already in the town.

"This divides any potential profit and both the existing business and the new business fail.

"After 20 years in business in Market Drayton I have seen this happen so often and public money has been wasted.

"It is vital that this money goes to the right projects.

"I think councillor Roger Hughes is to be congratulated for securing this money for the town but I do think potential recipients should have to show that there is a real need for what they are proposing and it is vital that any proposed scheme should not impact on an existing business.

"I know people will say competition is good and yes, in a thriving busy town but, independent businesses like my own are struggling to keep open and keep staff in jobs so potentially you could see a detrimental effect if the grants are not carefully managed."

Councillor Matthew Erwin, mayor of Market Drayton, also praised the scheme.

He said: "The announcement that Market Drayton's businesses will be able to apply for grants from a pot of £450k is fantastic news.

"Existing and start up businesses will be able to apply with a focus on creating new jobs and bringing investment to our town.

"Market Drayton is the third largest market town in Shropshire, and is within easy reach of larger towns such as Telford and Shrewsbury.

"The M6 is just 15 miles away making us ideally located, with existing major brands such as Muller and Palethorpes Bakery paying testament to this.

"Tern Valley Business Park is a new modern facility and hopefully financial assistance will allow entrepreneurs to flourish here.

"Recent shop closures in the town centre have highlighted how tough the retail environment currently is but I firmly believe that the right retail outlets will thrive.

“People often comment to me they would like a high end shoe shop, my personal view is that niche, quirky independent shops with an online presence are the way forward."