Town Centre Recovery Grant Scheme
The Stapleford Town Deal business grant scheme was one of six projects to benefit from share of the £21.1m awarded by the Government’s Towns Deal fund.
This was to help the town’s businesses to recover from the pandemic. The scheme was opened to local businesses in January 2022 to apply for a share of £1m grant funding to help improve their existing premises and facilities and to retain their presence in the town. Applicants needed to provide their outputs which was a requirement of the scheme to consider job creation, accessibility and improve the buildings’ energy efficiencies that will stand the test of time.
We received over 100 applications which were reviewed by Grant Panel Members and funding awarded. There were a range of small schemes from £2,000 to provide signage and digital advertising up to £97,000 which was the largest award to refurbish derelict units to bring them back into use with 30% co-funding.
The scheme closed on 31 January 2023 supporting 74 businesses. Many businesses took the opportunity to improve their shop frontages during a difficult time of rising material costs and labour shortages but they have shown resilience to achieve their goals. All schemes were due to complete by 30 June 2023 with an extension of time given to a dozen projects which were completed by 30 September 2023. There have been some challenges which we believe we were able to overcome working closely with the owners, tenants and landlords to bring this new vibe to the town.
Case Studies
Derelict Stapleford building transformed into a thriving business hub thanks to Town Fund investment
A deteriorating building that was attracting anti-social behaviour has been transformed into a vibrant business hub, thanks to a grant from the Town Centre Recovery Fund, part of the £21 million Stapleford Town Fund.
The property owner regenerated the plot at 20 Derby Road that was in severe decline. The grant allowed the building to be quickly turned into three separate business units, providing new premises for independent enterprises in Stapleford, including Anglia Roofing, Bride to Be Boutique Wedding Gowns, and Yard of Art, which have resulted in the creation of nine additional jobs.
Beyond attracting new investment and offering new business opportunities, the redevelopment has improved the local environment, enhancing the visual appeal of the area.
Barbara Demetriou, the owner of the property, is thankful for the Town Fund grant: "The grant helped us get a plan together and made the whole project financially possible. We've been able to bring new businesses to Stapleford, and the building looks wonderful now."
Town Fund investment puts Sewing B on the map as a national destination
Sewing B in Stapleford, has become a leading sewing workshop attracting customers from across the country after the improvements it made using a local business grant from the Stapleford Towns Fund.
Since receiving a grant two years ago, the studio has been able to install new windows and doors, replacing outdated fixtures that previously rattled and let the cold in. A new side entrance has been added with both an external and internal disabled access ramp, making the studio fully accessible to customers with wheelchairs and mobility issues.
The improvements have made the studio a comfortable place for all seasons, keeping the space warm during winter months and cool throughout the summer. This has helped create a relaxing environment for sewing and pattern-making whatever the weather.
"The funding has really challenged us as a business to create new courses and has allowed us to create something that looks really smart," said Elaine, owner of Sewing B. "The high street looks much tidier now, and we're seeing people coming from all over the country who can now explore Stapleford during their visits.”
Sewing B has also invested in high-end equipment, including adjustable height tables that accommodate users of all abilities and requirements. This professional-grade equipment has enabled the studio to offer enhanced learning experiences while maintaining its commitment to accessibility.
The business has also benefited hugely from the new Derby Road Central Car Park, also funded through the Towns Fund, which offers closer, more accessible parking, with free Sunday parking – an added bonus for her students.
The transformation has had a notable impact on Stapleford's broader appeal. Sewing B is expanding its course offerings to include advanced pattern drafting classes, two-day intensive workshops, and weekend courses, all of which will bring more business to the area for accommodation providers, shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Local legal firm takes pride in its offices following Stapleford Town Fund Investment 
FF Legal Services, a high street legal practice in Stapleford, is enjoying a business boost thanks to a grant from the Stapleford Town Centre Recovery Fund.
The family-run firm was established by Fiona Frankland in 2012 after working for Chambers and Hind, a prominent Stapleford firm, that closed down. The business has since grown from a start-up to an established business serving the local community.
The Towns Fund investment has enabled an office refurbishment, new professional signage, upgraded technology with new monitors and a new phone system, as well as animated promotional videos that are helping the business reach more clients.
The most significant outcome has been a new storage service for clients to safely store legal documents with personal or sensitive data, including fire resistant safes and security measures. The success of this new service has led to the recruitment of an additional member of staff.
"It gave us pride in coming to work as our office became boutique," said Elena Frankland, senior will writer at FF Legal Services. "Ultimately this grant helped embed our services within the heart of Stapleford, and we are grateful we were given the opportunity through the Towns Fund."
Looking ahead, FF Legal Services plans to expand its team and client base in the future, to deliver excellent legal services like Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, emergency end of life Wills in hospitals and tax management to individuals in Stapleford.