A youth charity, a thriving restaurant, a popular barbershop and an established sign manufacturer are among the Newport businesses and organisations to benefit from grants awarded through Newport City Council’s business fund.
Councillor James Clarke recently visited Urban Circle, Low and Slow and Hounds to see how the funding awarded last year has been used. Earlier this year, he also visited family business Standard Signs to hear how it had benefited from an accelerated growth grant.
Urban Circle is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year as an independent youth arts and advocacy charity. Earlier this year, it opened Circle in Market Street, a multi use venue that complements its existing Stow Hill centre, where it continues to provide opportunities for people of all ages.
Ali Boksh, co founder and director of premises and events, said the council grant had been used to buy equipment including a fridge and oven range.
Together with a new professional coffee machine, the equipment will support training for young people working towards qualifications in areas including food hygiene.
Just a short distance away, Low and Slow has enjoyed a busy start since opening its doors in Newport Market last month.
The restaurant occupies a main unit in High Street and marks the first Welsh venture for owners Jack and Lyndsey Geach, who originally started with a food stall in Bristol.
“We have been blown away by our reception,” explained Jack. “We are really pleased to be in the city.”
Everything served at the restaurant is made on site, including its sauces and rubs. The business used its grant to invest in equipment.
“It was really useful. The grant meant we were able to invest more in the equipment than we probably would have done.”
The business currently employs 15 people and is already planning to expand its Newport operation.
Meanwhile, Hounds barbershop in Bridge Street is preparing to celebrate eight years in business this autumn.
Owner Paul Monger used the grant to purchase additional chairs, barbering stations and new mirrors for the six strong team.
Paul began his career in hairdressing at Willy Steiner’s in Newport before spending 12 years as a teacher. He later opened Hounds, naming the business as a tribute to his dog loving mother, and now combines his teaching experience with mentoring and training young people who join the business.
Councillor Clarke also visited award winning Standard Signs, where owner Sam Hassani explained how an accelerated growth grant had helped the company invest in new technology.
Founded by his father in 1983, the business produces a wide range of signs, including road signs seen across the UK motorway network, as well as serving overseas clients.
Mr Hassani said the grant funded the purchase of a new state of the art printer.
“It is more efficient and allows us to be more receptive to what our clients require.”
Newport City Council has confirmed that a new business fund, including a grants scheme, will be launched soon. Further details, including how businesses can apply, will be announced through the council’s channels once the scheme opens.
