Independent businesses to benefit from grant

Independent retailers in Mid Sussex have been allocated close to £70,000 to help improve their business.

At a meeting on February 21, Mid Sussex District Council awarded £69,350 to 23 local companies – so they can make improvements to their storefronts, modernise interiors and buy equipment.

The grants are part of a programme of support for independent retailers, funded by a shared pool of business rates collected by councils in West Sussex.

Independent businesses are also being offered free expert training through the online West Sussex Retail Hub, part of the countywide Independent Retailers Support Programme.

Councillor Stephen Hillier, cabinet member for Economic Growth said: “It can be tough for small independent businesses to compete with large multinational corporations so we’re doing what we can to try and level the playing field.”