A unique business scheme is being created in Wellington to try to tempt new shops back into the town.
Members of Wellington Chamber of Commerce are to team up with local professionals to offer help to independent businesses wanting to start trading in the town.
It is hoped solicitors, landlords, estate agents, Wellington Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council will come together to form a new initiative, that, if successful, could be rolled out across the borough and beyond.
The package will be a support system which will see start-up discounts and a 12-18 month mentoring programme offering experienced advice to new businesses.
Dave Riley, chairman of Wellington’s Chamber of Commerce, has been liaising with many different organisations across the borough to offer a support package to new independent businesses in the town.
He said: “Running a business can be a learning curve and on the first venture into business you can make mistakes and don’t know who to turn to.
“This will put in a system where the person in the new business start up will have a mentor to help those in the first 18 months.
“I think it is a totally unique idea, I think it’s brilliant.
“My suggestion is that we plug the scheme in Wellington and if successful there is no reason why we can’t roll it out throughout Telford.
“I am trying to bring all these organisations together who would not normally work with one another.”
The scheme will have its own logo and those taking part will advertise it in their shop windows.
It is not intended to be a profit making enterprise.
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard welcomed the scheme.”
“It is important that the whole community works together to try and ensure Wellington comes through the difficult economic times,” he said.
“Any initiative that helps encourage investment and supports existing businesses should be supported. This will be welcome.”
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a meeting to discuss the new initiative, ‘Bringing Life to the High Street’ at Wellington’s Civic Offices later this month.
People from local business, Wellington Town Council, Telford &Wrekin Council, the Market Company, Transforming Telford and Business Link, will be attending.
Mayor of Wellington, Councillor Barry Tillotson said: “I think it is a great idea.”
