Councillors were given an update on the delivery of the Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme at the Executive Board meeting on 10th June 2025.
The Shop Front Improvement Grant was established in February 2024 and allocated £100k to a small grant scheme in 2024/2025, with a further £100k of funding allocated in February 2025 for use in 2025/2026. Businesses so far have been allocated £105,615 of funding to 56 projects across North Warwickshire.
The purpose of the funding is to offer small grants to businesses across North Warwickshire, to enable them to undertake small-scale external improvement works such as basic improvements to shopfronts, cleaning and repairs to building facades, signage and shutters, as well as visual improvements to the shop windows of empty units.
Business owners showed their appreciation with the following comments:
Bee Bold Bee Beautiful, Atherstone said:
Please would you also pass on my appreciation and gratitude for accepting my business under the scheme, it would have been something that I wouldn’t have been able to afford myself.”
Nice Thoughts – Coleshill said:
“We are so grateful for the funding that we received to brighten our shop front up. This project was funded by North Warwickshire Borough Council's Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme.”
Heads of Coleshill said:
“Thank you so much for the grant. I’m so pleased with my new sign and paintwork.”
Crystal Cavern Gifts, Atherstone said:
“We are very happy with it and the response that we have received from the Atherstone community.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor David Wright, said:
“Our town centres provide vital services to our local communities, so we’re pleased to support the independent businesses who are key to each area’s local economy.
The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to make improvements to their shop front, with the aim of encouraging more of our residents and visitors to visit our high streets and explore what they have to offer.
It also supports the work of the Borough Council and the Town Centre Partnerships to improve vitality, visitor perception and the attractiveness of North Warwickshire.
The grant scheme is currently open to businesses across North Warwickshire, and advice, guidance and information can be found on the website.”
Businesses interested in applying can do so online at the North Warwickshire Shopfront Grant Scheme website: Shop Front Improvement Grants 2025