Town Deal Enterprise Grants Boost St Ives Businesses and Organisations

The St Ives Town Deal Enterprise Grant Scheme is making a significant impact on businesses and organisations in the town, providing funding to help improve shopfronts, create new workspaces, and renovate derelict buildings. Since its launch in 2022, over £2 million has been allocated to local projects, supporting economic growth and sustainable regeneration.

 

Expanding Local Businesses

So far, 68 projects have been approved, with 22 completed and another 18 currently under final review. Grants range from £2,636 to £150,000, assisting a wide range of sectors from creative and digital industries to manufacturing and trade businesses.

Local jewellery business Kirsty Bridgewater Ltd has used its grant to invest in specialist equipment, including laser and gold plating technology. “Honestly… the Enterprise grant has been a game changer for us,” said Raymond Bridgewater. “It has allowed us to bring in some really exciting laser and gold plating technology, which has opened up completely new opportunities for our business. We’ve been able to focus on innovating and offering unique services that we just couldn’t have before.”

Carbis Bay-based AV3 Media has also seen a major boost thanks to the scheme. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support received from the St Ives Town Deal Enterprise Grant scheme,” said Tom Harding, owner of AV3 Media. “This funding has been transformative for AV3 Media, allowing me to invest in professional broadcast equipment. This was instrumental in securing our ongoing contract with Cambridge University for their prestigious graduation ceremonies, creating a stable revenue stream for my business.”

 

Supporting Local Trades

Local tradespeople have also benefitted from the scheme, with Gavin Stevens of GS Joinery using his funding to purchase a specialist tenoner machine. This investment has allowed him to expand the range of windows he can provide and take on two new team members.

Meanwhile, Celtic Fish and Game Ltd used its grant to invest in an electric refrigerated van, significantly reducing carbon emissions for their deliveries. “We would never have bought the van without the grant,” said Hannah Bullus, joint owner of the company. “We now do all our local deliveries using the electric van, which is making a hugely positive difference to our business as well as to the environment.”

Revitalising St Ives

Many buildings in St Ives have remained underused or empty, but the Enterprise Grant Scheme is helping bring them back to life. The Town Council has secured funding to convert the old Fire Station into additional affordable studio, community, and office space. Cornwall Masters Limited is converting the former HSBC Bank on the High Street into a sustainable art gallery and exhibition space.

Other projects include:

• Mine Brewing Company Ltd, which renovated a derelict building at Consols to expand its brewery.
• Borlase Smart John Wells Trust, which modified Porthmeor Cellars to create storage space for local fishermen. “Porthmeor Cellars have been used by local fishermen since the 1800s,” said Chris Hibbert, Manager of the Trust. “We were delighted to secure an Enterprise Grant to provide a new space for a young local fisherman to store his fishing gear and access a setting run to set his nets.”

Enhancing High Street Businesses

Several businesses in St Ives have received grants to improve their shopfronts, including St Ives Ceramics, Mirror Image, and Ula St Ives. Additionally, grants have helped cafes, pubs, and restaurants upgrade their premises.

“Our aim has been to broaden the economic base of the town and create a really vibrant and active economy which supports all year-round businesses and provides all year-round employment,” said Andrew Baragwanath, Chair of the St Ives Town Deal Board.

“We know that small and medium-sized businesses make up a large proportion of our enterprises. By helping them to become more productive and plan for the future, we can make a real difference to our economy and the lives of everyone who lives and works here.”

What’s Next?

The Enterprise Grant Scheme is just one of nine projects being funded by the Government as part of the £19.9 million Town Deal for St Ives. Cornwall Council serves as the lead authority, supporting the governance role of the St Ives Town Deal Board and administrating the fund.

Details of all the projects that have received grants can be found on the St Ives Town Deal website. With funding still available, local businesses are encouraged to explore how they could benefit from this transformative scheme.