Newport Now Business Improvement District manager Kevin Ward explains how the BID is giving businesses in the city centre a helping hand to improve their shopfronts.

THE Newport Now BID is looking to help shops and businesses in the city centre improve the appearance of their shop fronts.

Grants of up to £800 excluding VAT (£1,000 including VAT) are available.

The grant would cover up to 75% of the total cost of improvement work. For example, if the total cost of the work was £1,500 including VAT, you could apply for the full £1,000 grant. If the total cost of the work was £1,000 including VAT, you could apply for a maximum of £750.

The scheme is open to all Newport Now members paying the BID levy and the aim is to help local businesses to upgrade the frontage of their shops or offices, thereby creating a more attractive environment for shoppers and visitors to the city centre.

There is a budget of £25,000 available for the scheme and grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

The application process is very simple. however, there are terms and conditions with which applicants must comply.

Grants have already been awarded to businesses including Georgiou Hair Design and Good Egg Tattoos on Commercial Street, and Goldilocks Hair Salon on Baneswell Road.

Newport Now manager Kevin Ward said: “This is a great way for BID members to improve the look of their premises without having to break the bank.

“Better-looking shop fronts are good news for the city centre as a whole, and we hope as many BID members as possible will take advantage of this scheme.”

For application forms, please contact Kevin at the Newport Now office at kevin@kevinwardmedia.com or call him on 07824 472543.