Northwest travel agent Richard Slater is urging high street travel retailers to explore funding opportunities through their local authorities after crediting a £1,000 grant with boosting his business.
The managing director of Henbury Travel received a one-off ‘Glow Up Grant’ from Macclesfield Town Council designed to help local independent small and medium sized businesses spruce up their shop windows last year.
Slater is using the funds to commission an artist to paint a different picture on the agency’s shop window each month over a 12-month period.
He credited the imagery with attracting new customers into the shop and helping to boost interest in travel among passers-by.
He said: “People really like it and it draws them into the shop. It adds excitement. The town council has done it to help customer engagement.”
He urged other agents to see if they could tap into local funding being made available to help high-street retailers.
“I wonder whether other councils are doing this and if agents are investigating opportunities? There might be grants available,” he said.
Slater had to apply for the one-off grant, only available to independent shops in Macclesfield or those planning to open. As well as the funding, business owners were given a ‘shop front design guide’ with ideas on how to improve their windows. Funds could be used for painting, artwork, signage and flowers.
The town council said the move was to “ensure that Macclesfield preserves its character and uniqueness”.
Local artist Victoria Turner, who runs Victoria’s Art Studio, has produced a range of artwork for the travel agency. So far artwork that has appeared in Henbury Travel’s window includes a winter sun image to promote holidays to escape the cold, a Christmas message with a picture of Santa advertising Santa adventures; a New Year’s ‘’time to book’ promotion and an image of a ship to encourage customers to go on a cruise.
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