Liverpool has always been a welcoming city for the enterprising businessperson, and an ideal place to get a new venture off the ground. That tradition is being carried on with the latest Shops for a Pound scheme. Liverpool Express reports that the latest tenants have been handed the keys to properties on Smithdown Road.
The vacant retail units are available to rent for £1 a year for the first three years of the tenancy, giving new start ups a chance to get off the ground without having to pay high rent or mortgage costs. Prospective tenants must have a viable business plan in place and be able to finance repairs and refurbishments themselves.
Two successful applicants are now preparing to move in, and join the other shops on Smithdown Road that have already benefited from the scheme, including an Italian cafe, a beauty salon, and a clothing store.
The first new tenant is Jayne Hayter, who will provide services for bereaved families, such as grave maintenance, memorial accessories, and floral tributes. Jayne said that the business idea came to her after a personal experience of grief, when she realised that there was no unified service to meet the needs of bereaved families.
The second new tenant is Derry Boorman, a professional photographer who will be opening her own studio. Derry is a graduate of Liverpool Hope University and specialises in event photography. She said: “When I first began there were so many different avenues I could take and it was a little overwhelming to know where to start.”
“It’s always been a dream of mine to eventually own a studio space – but I never in a million years thought it would happen like this! Being handed the keys felt like a dream! I kept the news close to my chest for months, only telling close family and friends until I had the keys in my hand, as it all felt so surreal.”
She added: “I have big plans for this space, with a substantial focus on commercial/product photography and content creation to help get small businesses off the ground, as well as wedding portraiture, headshots, individual and family shoots, and social media focused shoots.”
The new business ideas were not permitted to compete with established nearby businesses, and must not be betting shops, fast food takeaways, tanning salons, off licences or pubs, or pay day loan providers. Applicants have to submit a business plan and present their case to an interview panel.
Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Shops and businesses are a vital and integral part of a successful local community. The £1 shop scheme has been about giving people with great ideas and a solid business plan the chance to get their venture off the ground, without having to worry about rental costs in the first three years.”
“I’m delighted for Jayne and Derry. They’re both local, each with a unique offer and their new businesses will be great additions to the growing offer on Smithdown Rd which is fast becoming a vibrant retail hub. I wish them and the other £1 shops that have recently opened there every success.”
After the first three years of renting the units, tenants will pay a capped commercial rate for the following two years.
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