We all know that first impressions matter. Whether it be when making friends, going for a job interview, even looking for a new house, we all try to look as good as possible for those first few moments. But have you thought what impression a shop front gives about the business inside? What would you think if you saw a tired looking hairdresser next to a bright modern new salon? Which would you trust to truss your locks, or do your nails?
If you're running a retail business, have a good look at the front of your premises and see it through the eyes of your potential customers. What do you think? Maybe a lick of paint here, a bit of a tidy up there, or maybe actually you could make a huge difference to your business by a complete overhaul and modernisation.
But how much would all this cost? In these difficult times, who can afford to spend thousands of pounds on what many see as 'cosmetics'? The question you should really ask is "can I afford not to?'.
Our area is constantly changing and new competition may be just around the corner. Can you afford to be overshadowed by a competitor with a shiny new frontage attracting all your customers?
If your business is in Langley Mill and you think that you need to do some work, maybe the Langley Mill Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme could be just what you need.
Limited funding is currently available for all types of shop front work, including
and many other improvements to your ground floor shop front.
All you have to do is decide what work you would like to have done, contact the necessary contractors to provide quotes for the work (up to 3 quotes may be required depending on how much the job will cost) and submit an application to Amber Valley Borough Council. Each application is considered individually, and up to 50%* of the total cost is available.
Local business In a Spin Laundry benefitted from this scheme when they converted an empty chinese takeaway in the Acorn Centre shopping parade on Station Road into a vibrant modern laundry & laundrette.
Owner Mehmet said of the scheme,
"The application process was very easy and simple, and Allison was really helpful in taking us through the process. With the council's help we were able to completely change the look of the shop and we regularly get comments on how clean and fresh our image is now, and how different we are to the traditional laundrettes of the past."
To find out more about the scheme, contact Project Manager Allison Rose at Amber Valley Borough Council on 01773 841496 or email allison.rose@ambervalley.gov.uk
*maximum grant per application is £5000
