Business expansion on the horizon for local plumber thanks to Stapleford Town Centre Recovery Fund

Ryan, from Stapleford, who set up Ryan Plumbing and Heating in 2006, saw a gap in the market for a showroom in the town, and has worked hard towards opening his store fully to the public this month. However, the pandemic and increasing costs of building materials meant that some of the jobs he wanted to do to complete his showroom were no longer possible.

The Town Centre Recovery Fund grant, part of the £21m Stapleford Towns Fund, means he is now able to finish his project, with new exterior signage and fixtures and fittings inside the 137a Derby Road showroom.

“Opening the showroom is really important to me. It means I can display and sell products which will provide me with the income I need to expand my team from two to three. As a small business this just would not have been possible without this grant,” said Ryan.

“A good first impression can make all the difference and I know that once the new signs are up we will see more people coming through our doors. It will also make the high street look better as a whole which can only be a good thing for Stapleford.”

Ian Jowett, Chair of the Stapleford Towns Fund Board, said: “It’s businesses like Ryan’s that have such potential. He’s worked really hard to expand his business and offer something new to the people of Stapleford, and this extra financial support means he can open fully without delay, which is fantastic.''

“The Town Centre Recovery Fund is an early phase of our £21m Towns Fund investment which will be signed off by Government very soon. As a small town with big potential, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a prosperous, inclusive new future and build a lasting legacy for everyone. We can’t wait to get cracking.”

The £1m Town Centre Recovery Fund is split into two grants to support different aspects of business recovery:

1. The Business Continuity Grant (BCG)aims to support business resilience and growth over the long term, sustaining occupancy levels within Stapleford Town Centre. This grant will support existing businesses looking to expand the way they distribute their services. It is anticipated a maximum of £200,000 will be spent on this portion of the wider Town Centre Recovery Fund. Under the BCG, eligible businesses will be able to apply for and receive up to a maximum of £10,000, although this higher amount does require match funding.
2. The Building Development Fund (BDF)is to create buildings of the future; improving accessibility, energy efficiency and the look and feel of Stapleford Town Centre. It is anticipated a maximum of £800,000 will be issued through this part of the fund. Under the BDF eligible businesses will be able to apply for and receive up to a maximum of £100,000, although this higher amount does require match funding.

For more information about the scheme, to check eligibility and submit an application please visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/towncentrerecoveryfund