Local businesses benefit from “Welcome back” grants
A further two local independent businesses have now benefitted from West Berkshire Council’s Welcome Back Business Grants Scheme, in which £140,000 was set aside for projects to support the district’s high streets, shopping areas and visitor economy to re-open successfully this summer.
Weavers Coffee Shop, in Newbury, received £1,005 to purchase smart new tables, chairs and parasols for their outdoor seating area. The business estimates that the new purchases will result in up to 80 additional customers per day. Why not pop in to see them in the attractive Weavers Walk courtyard off Northbrook Sreett and enjoy a delicious hot meal or choose from their great selection of cakes and snacks?
The Old London Apprentice Pub, on the corner of Hambridge Road and Boundary Road in Newbury, have received £4,853 to help upgrade their outdoor seating area, with additional picnic tables, lighting, raised planters and a brand new picket fence. They were able to welcome around 250 new and existing customers to their new-look outdoor space at their Beer and Cider Festival last month, which showcased local breweries and music.
The latest grants bring the total spend to date to over £10,000 including the grant paid last month to Little Yum Factory, which has enabled the home-based business to set up a new market stall to sell organic food in environmentally friendly packaging at local markets and food festivals around the district.
The remainder of the £140,000 funding has been allocated to a further 24 independent businesses across West Berkshire following an application process. You can find out more about coming events and activities funded by the Council via the Welcome Back Business Grants scheme at: https://info.westberks.gov.uk/welcome-back-business-grants
Cllr Lynne Doherty, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: “It’s great to see local businesses like Weavers Coffee Shop, the Old London Apprentice and Little Yum Factory being so proactive in welcoming back old and new customers this summer.
“I can’t wait to see the outcome of what the other 24 businesses around the district have got planned. We hope this funding will help drive footfall to these fantastic independent businesses and local suppliers, supporting a strong recovery in the West Berkshire local economy.”
