FOURTEEN Flintshire traders have benefited from bespoke business support thanks to a successful pilot project from the council’s regeneration team.

Save the High Street launched in November last year with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and aimed to improve Flintshire’s town centres by helping local businesses.

The initial pilot has been such a success, that the project has been extended and the Regeneration Team are now looking for another 15 businesses to receive support from April onwards.

The scheme is delivered by SaveTheHighstreet.org – a movement launched in 2016 with an exciting new vision for the high street, and is targeted at Mold, Buckley, Flint, Holywell, Connah’s Quay, Shotton and Queensferry.

Councillor David Healey, cabinet member for climate change and economy, said: “I would urge any local businesses to apply and find out what support they could potentially benefit from. Businesses in the pilot received a range of support, including website development, financial advice and marketing to draw more footfall."

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Cllr Healey added: "As a council we are committed to helping businesses to thrive and in turn supporting the local high streets. The Regeneration team are currently running several schemes under the Town Centre Investment programme, whether you are looking for business support, property improvement or grants to put on activities to increase the vibrancy of the town centre.”

Each business participating in the Save the Highstreet project is assigned a coach who conducts a full health check and identifies areas which could be improved or developed.

To register your interest click here.

Peridot Academy in Shotton is just one of the businesses who took part in the pilot.

Owner Donna Oldfield-Sterry said: “I have been lucky enough to have Jo as my mentor. She is incredibly supportive and non-judgemental. Already, I have had my eyes opened to what improvements I need to make to ensure the success of my business. 

“I have already been able to make decisions on the direction I would like to take my business in, and I am looking forward to discussing these in week 4 and beyond. I would like to thank Flintshire County Council and the Accelerator programme for this opportunity and I am excited to see where this goes.”

Anwen Baglin from Mold-based Mati & Meg, added: “I am feeling far more optimistic about the business since the start of the programme. Our meetings have left me feeling more hopeful about the future of my business. Lorna is very approachable and encouraging and very easy to chat to.”