Ashington Businesses Receive 2nd Round of Grant Funding
04/06/2024
A functional website offers unparalleled versatility to a business, serving as both a storefront and 24/7 customer service. It enhances visibility, highlights all services, and acts as a platform for news and customer registration.
The major barrier to entry for securing a website is often funding. Development costs can stack up and for small & medium enterprises they often prove to be a deterrent, stunting a business’ potential for growth.
Recognizing the invaluable utility a website can provide, the Accelerate Ashington programme is providing website design and development grants for businesses in Ashington, Guide Post, Longhirst, and Pegswood. This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
Accelerate Ashington has awarded significant funding to numerous local businesses in the two previous rounds of funding, just over £50000 worth of website development was delivered. Here, we highlight three of the newly developed websites:
Cervo Surface Design
Cervo specialises in standard and Venetian plastering services for both residential and commercial clients in Ashington and the surrounding areas. They cater to homeowners, interior designers, contractors, and businesses in need of high-quality plastering and finishes.
In his application the owner, Lee Rutters, told us: “A website would serve as an invaluable tool for generating leads and converting them into paying customers” and, “We need to be able to take enquiries when we are otherwise not available”
Highstreet 4 Less
A local fashion retailer looking to break into the digital space to capitalise on the shift to online shopping. They offer High Street fashion at online prices.
Natalie Younes, Director of Highstreet4less, said during their application;”I really need some support to get me going, once I manage to get my website, I really believe my business has a great chance of success”. In terms of specific functionality, she mentioned; “I want to receive comments from consumers about their user experience and use this to make changes”
Be My Business Analyst
BMBA are business analysts are local professionals who provide their expertise to help consult and guide businesses through Supplier Management. They review business spending on communications, environmental factors, energy and much more.
The Director, Neil Brannigan, let us know: “We require a professional website that is appealing to look at, easy to navigate with all required contact and access opportunities to maximise our growth.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
For more information about the programme and to register please go to: www.AccelerateAshington.com or contact the team at: AccelerateAshington@advancenorthumberland.co,uk