Pendle News Room

“This grant money is designed to help boost town centre businesses,” said Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council.

“In the last year we set aside a pot of money for each area totalling over £40,000 and 11 businesses across Pendle have had grants.

"There is still some left in the Colne grants fund and £2,600 left in the Earby pot, whilst there is very little left in other town pots, as they have already been allocated,” he explained.

“So we are urging Colne and Earby businesses to hurry and make the most of this pot before the end of the financial year - 31 March!

“The work can then be carried out during 2020,” he said.

“Called Premises Improvement Grants, the money can be used to pay towards new shop fronts and new windows,” explained Mike Williams from Pendle Council’s Economic Development Team.

“Grants can even be used for signs and painting if it’s part of a bigger scheme,” said Mike.

Businesses can also apply for a grant towards the cost of stone cleaning and the creation of outside seating areas for cafes, restaurants and bars, including the railings around outdoor areas.

“These grants make a big difference to individual businesses and improve the look of our town centres as a whole,” said Councillor Iqbal. 

“They have been used to tackle empty shops and businesses and bring them back into use,” he said.

The grants can cover up to half of the agreed costs, with a maximum grant of £3,000. 

“A small grant can make all the difference in getting improvements done and I’m pleased we’ve been able to support a range of town centre businesses,” said Councillor Iqbal.
In Colne, Pendle Council awarded a grant to improve the frontage of Zara Moon Architects on New Market Street near the Town Hall.

Plus, Ashville Guesthouse in the town has new, timber sash windows, thanks to a Premises Improvement Grant.
Mike Williams from Pendle Council’s Economic Development Team said:

“Any Colne business wanting to find out about the criteria for grants can visit www.pendle.gov.uk/grants  or contact me via my email:  michael.williams@pendle.gov.uk  

In addition, businesses in Colne can now benefit from a new grant scheme called A Fresh Lick of Paint run by the COLNE BID.

The COLNE BID is an initiative where businesses work together to boost the town’s Business Improvement District.

Each year, for the next four years, the Colne BID will make £10,000 available under its Pride remit to redecorate the exteriors of businesses within the Business Improvement District. 

Any Colne business who’d like to apply or find out more should contact Lisa Durkin, Colne BID Manager via e-mail: manager@colnebid.co.uk
Colne Councillor Sarah Cockburn-Price is on the grants panel for Business Improvement Grants for Colne and is supporting the efforts of the Colne BID to improve the town.

“Through funding in the Colne BID pot 80 plus businesses can be transformed externally during the first term of the Colne BID.  

“Up to £500, or half the cost of the external redecoration, whichever is lower, is available as a grant.  

“The Fresh Lick of Paint Scheme includes signage and canopy refreshing,” she said.

Councillor Iqbal added: “We urge businesses to make the most of these opportunities for funding!”