Shops filled and 500 jobs created in Northampton through incentive scheme

This financial year, the council has invested a total of £214,116 to help 23 businesses and create 173 jobs, while leveraging more than £647,000 in private sector investment.

And since its introduction in 2014, the scheme has invested a total of £705,457 with 107 companies, through which 499 jobs have been created and private investment of £4,670,967 has been leveraged.

Councillor Mary Markham (Park, Con), leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “Some fantastic businesses have been able to start up or improve their premises as a result of the support on offer, and we’ve just announced the latest successful bidders.

“It’s a mark of the confidence people have in our high streets that they are willing to put large sums of their own money into these ventures.

“On average, they have invested more than £6 for every pound we’ve spent, showing once again that small businesses are the lifeblood of Northampton’s economy.”

Dapper Sandwich Company, Guerrilla Beer and Ground Craft Coffee in Wellingborough Road are some of the businesses to be supported.

Several businesses in Gold Street have also taken advantage of grants intended to improve the environment in the area.

David Coleman, owner of Ground Craft Coffee, said: “This is my first business so it was a big step into the unknown. The team gave me some advice and provided me with a grant which helped me turn my dream into reality.

“I wanted to create a unique experience for customers, making coffee properly in a relaxed atmosphere with stripped back, industrial décor. Money was tight and the grant I received made a big difference.”

David Preston, of the Dapper Sandwich Company, heard last week that funding from the Business Incentive Scheme had been approved for his new business.

He said: “We are planning to open in Wellingborough Road shortly on the site that used to be Dang’s restaurant.

“The news that the grant application was successful made my day and it means that getting the business up and running is that little bit closer.

“We were given an empty premises grant, which will enable us to renovate the existing premises and provide an exciting new sandwich shop in the town.”

Anyone interested in the Business Incentive Scheme can find out more at northampton.gov.uk/bis