There is still time for West Norfolk businesses to get Plan for the Future grants to help them recover from the pandemic.
Between £5000 and £25,000 is available for projects to help make them more resilient in future and it comes from the borough council.
One that is already benefiting is Francis Wain Jewellers on Norfolk Street in King’s Lynn.
The family-run business suffered a double whammy due to the pandemic. As well as the impact on trade, its Grade II-listed building sustained serious damage to the roof during the same period.
The business, which has been trading in King’s Lynn for 70 years, was faced with the possibility of severe deterioration to a section of their building.
Although it is unusual for this type of grant to cover building repairs, the particular circumstances in this case meant it was eligible.
As the director of Francis Wain, Donne Kidson, explained: “This grant has, quite literally, enabled us to ‘build back better’.
“We were faced with the prospect of parts of the roof collapsing. We are now once again able to invite customers up to our second floor, which also enables us to keep them safer by increasing our ability to socially distance. It will also help us to reduce our carbon footprint because we will be able to insulate the building more efficiently.
“These grants are there to support businesses to recover from the pandemic and I would encourage other business owners to think about applying so they can come back stronger.”
Plan for the Future grants are operated by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership on behalf of the borough council.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, leader of the borough council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and board member of New Anglia LEP which operates the scheme, said: “This is exactly what these grants are for. We’re proud of our track record in supporting businesses through the pandemic and continue to do so with this latest programme.
“We have already helped many businesses to continue trading; these grants will help them to thrive as they move forward. It was a pleasure to hear how Francis Wain Jewellers are using this grant to great effect.”
To find out more about the grants, which are available until February, contact the New Anglia Growth Hub on 0300 333 6536 or email growthhub@