Newsroom Archive

Sue and Bianca Gregory have built up a loyal customer base since starting out in 1991, selling fabrics and haberdashery items plus providing dressmaking and blind and curtain making services. They have been so successful trading from a small shop in St Georges that they have now outgrown their premises.

Earlier this year they applied to the Council for an Empty Unit Incentive Grant, which offers funding of between £2,000 to £10,000 for people with a business idea to bring empty retail premises in Wellington, Oakengates and Dawley back into use.

As the application outlined how the business would create new jobs and bring much needed footfall to the high street, the business secured the highest level of grant.

Sue and Bianca have found new premises at 31 Market Street, Oakengates and are looking forward to opening up shop soon.

Sue said: “Getting this grant makes a world of a difference for us.  The new shop is bigger than where we are now which means we have more display space and can offer new services.  It’s an exciting time and we are really looking forward to welcoming new customers as well as serving our existing ones, as the new shop isn’t far for them to come.”

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for finance, commercial services and economic development, said: “Gems is the first business to be awarded funding from this grant and I am delighted for them.  It’s a fantastic business which has been serving our community for almost 30 years. 

“The grant is part of the support we offer businesses and just one of the measures we are undertaking to improve local high streets.  Funding is still available for anyone with a great business idea to bring an empty shop back into use, so get your application in if you haven’t already.”

For an Empty Unit Incentive Grant application pack or more information email joy.mcgeown@telford.gov.uk or kathy.mulholland@telford.gov.uk, or telephone 01952 383784.