Shop Fronts Transformed Thanks To Grants Totalling Over £115,000

Over 50 small businesses in and around Market Harborough have had their shop fronts transformed thanks to grants totalling more than £115,000.

They have helped pay for replacement windows, doors, fascias, awning and signs after up to £3,000 was given to shops that successfully applied to the scheme.

It was launched by Harborough District Council using government cash to help businesses bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.

Kyra Williams, President of the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, told HFM it has been a great initiative:

Before and after at shops & businesses who have benefited from the scheme

Whilst the shop front fund closed earlier this year, the Council is assessing interest to extend the scheme with a further package of funding.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We recognise the challenges high streets are facing, and this is one of a range of measures to support local shopping areas and independent businesses. It is great to see this investment is making a big difference in attracting more visitors to shop, eat and enjoy their leisure time locally.”

Blend Coffee and Cakes, a local Market Harborough business, used their funding towards the purchase of new awnings. Owner, Ellen Duffin, said: “Thank you for our lovely new awnings which we were able to purchase with the help of the Council and the Shop Front Improvement Grant. This will be such an asset to our coffee shop during the summer months and when the weather is mild enough to sit out but may be a little showery. We are so pleased with them.”

Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest gift shops, received funding to help towards exterior paint work and new windows at her Broughton Astley store. She said: “The process of applying and receiving the grant was refreshingly simple. It has improved the look of our shop and customers have commented on how lovely it looks! I think, as a business, to know there was support out there during some incredibly tough times was a huge relief and it has made us feel really valued.”