A SCHEME aimed at supporting town centre businesses in North Somerset with advice and funding is being hailed a success.

Cash from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has funded North Somerset Council’s Town Centre Occupancy Grant initiative, which has helped 21 businesses grow.

Over the past year, the scheme has providing tailored support in areas such as sales promotion, brand management, pricing and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, grant funding has helped firms buy equipment or improve premises.

The scheme has involved grants and advice provided through partnerships with the hive and Business West.

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Among North Somerset business that have benefitted from the Town Centre Occupancy Grant scheme are:

Fawn Coffee, Clevedon, which invested in bakery and barista equipment, reducing costs, improving staff development, and creating jobs.

“The leg up we received has helped to grow our revenue and team, giving us the security we needed to take on a bigger venue in 2025,” a spokesperson said.

Bertie’s Pet Store, Portishead, improved signage, freezers, and outdoor spaces, to boost footfall and expand product offerings.

“We have already seen an upturn in customer footfall and new customers visiting the store. We have expanded our range and offer even better customer service and advice,” they said.

Bertie’s pet shop in Portishead. Picture: North Somerset Council

Doghead Designs, Clevedon, upgraded lighting, signage, and exterior features, to improve footfall and security.

“The improvements attracted new customers, and feedback was that my shop was one of the best presented in town,” the shop said.

Fat Head Brewery, Weston-super-Mare, installed a lean-to for beer storage to reduce summer waste and a unitank for brewing lagers in-house.

“We now have the ability to brew lagers which we used to have to get from an external supplier,” a spokesperson explained. “Increasing our brewing capacity has provided more hours for our brewery staff and we have hired another member of bar staff as more time is being dedicated to the brewery.”

Curzon Cinema and Arts, Clevedon, installed a heritage 35mm projector and upgraded to a high-quality coffee machine, expanding film screenings and upskilling staff.

“The funding enables us to diversify income streams by offering more film screenings while serving this new audience delicious coffees,” the cinema said.

Walker & Ling, Weston-super-Mare, used grant funding for advertising screens and social media training.

They said: “The new screens provide a modern touch to our traditional store and help us communicate more effectively with visitors.”

Mustard Cafe & Deli, Clevedon, refitted its kitchen, expanded storage, and added seating, growing its menu, catering services, and community space.

“The feeling you get when you have happy customers showing you support makes it all worthwhile.”

As well as funding for such improvements, the project has also been working to boost companies’ sustainability.

Seven businesses attended a Net Zero business workshop hosted by Business West, which led to impactful changes, including: offering refillable product lines, partnering with eco-conscious suppliers who plant trees per sale, eliminating disposable glasses, installing energy-efficient LED signage, expanding to sell locally sourced produce, using sustainable and repurposed materials in refurbishments, hiring local contractors, hosting more community upcycling and well-being workshops.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, said: “The Town Centre Occupancy Grant programme has been a game-changer for local businesses, helping them grow, innovate, and become more sustainable.

“By investing in our high streets, we’re ensuring a thriving local economy and vibrant town centres for years to come.”