Whether you are an existing business, or a new investor unfamiliar with Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, there is a wide range of information and advice available to smooth the path to that all-important business decision. Best of all, it's free and impartial.
BlackpoolUnlimited.com is here to help, offer advice and point you in the right direction to the people, intelligence and business networks that can assist you. We are not just a signposting service, we will work with you all along the way.
Why invest in Blackpool?
Blackpool is the UK's most popular resort and is experiencing something of a renaissance, backed by significant public and private investment, and an upturn in visitor numbers.
Blackpool's regeneration programme is worth hundreds of millions of pounds - from radical seafront and promenade improvements and major town centre redevelopment to modern commercial and industrial property on outlying business parks.
Further major investment is already underway to upgrade schools, housing and health facilities, and generate linked business and employment opportunities.
Blackpool has the fastest growing regional airport in the country and is well connected to the motorway and public transport networks. The £100m investment in the iconic Blackpool-Fleetwood tram network will create a modern coastal transport system combining new trams alongside our prized heritage vehicles.
All this fresh investment builds on the extensive heritage and long-standing assets of the town, together with the thousands of businesses who already call Blackpool home.
It's not all about tourism. Blackpool has an eclectic mix of year-round business activities from established leisure and hospitality sectors, to specialist manufacturing, digital and creative media, food and drink, healthcare and business and financial services.
This is backed up by a range of skills and employment support available to employers, not least from Blackpool & Fylde College, with over 20,000 students, and centres of vocational excellence in construction, engineering and tourism, with many courses at degree level and beyond.
If you are recruiting new talent, or investing in your workforce, we can unlock the support available locally to you by tapping into our extensive partner network.
How can we help you?
Use BlackpoolUnlimited.com for a wide range of practical help in partnership with Business Link. If you prefer the tailored approach please contact one of our advisors.
For instance, you may simply be a local business with a plan of how to expand your business, but are curious about what is available to assist you in realising your ambitions. Be it gap finance, locating the right land or property, or help with your recruitment and training plans - we are here to help.
Commercial and industrial property
To search for available commercial property across Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre please click here to access our on line Commercial Property database.
This database is updated with details supplied by local agents and will enable you to search for suitable commercial and industrial properties. It will also provide the contact details for the agent marketing the property.
In addition to this database, Blackpool Council, in collaboration with The Gazette publishes a quarterly Commercial Property Finder magazine. This features a host of news and features on the latest local developments, deals and regeneration programmes happening on the Fylde Coast alongside property data.
To access an online copy of the Commercial Property Finder please click here.
Alternatively if you would prefer a printed copy of the latest Commercial Property Finder posted out to your address please click here to request one.
Access To Finance
Invest In Blackpool is a Blackpool Council initiative that offers grant and loan assistance to local businesses and investors aiming to bring forward their investment plans, either to sustain and grow their businesses, or to modernise and bring back into use commercial and industrial property.
We work in partnership with Business Link, in particular the Access to Finance service, which offers free advice and support from specialist advisors to help businesses and entrepreneurs understand the options available for accessing the finance required for business start-up, development and expansion.
Typically, this includes a diagnosis of business needs, including financial, and provides relevant skills/expertise to secure funding and facilitates introductions to the most appropriate finance providers - the Invest In Blackpool Loan & Grant Fund being one of the options available.
To take advantage of any of the financial assistance available, you will need to demonstrate a clear and detailed summary of your business, its financial performance to date and future forecast.
All requests for capital grants will require competitive quotes for work.
Contact the Invest In Blackpool team in the first instance to discuss your needs - 01253 477340.
Invest In Blackpool Grant & Loan Fund
Invest in Blackpool provides grant and loan assistance to businesses in Blackpool. Grant assistance is available at 30% of the total cost for physical improvements or capital items. Loan assistance is available for revenue costs as well as to support grant applications.
Each application is taken on its merits and we have two application stages.
Stage 1 is a simple expression of interest setting out your basic plans and financial requirements. Stage 2, assuming you are deemed eligible, is a more detailed application process normally requiring a business plan with financial information and forecasts, specially where a loan is required. It is normally expected that other sources of funding have been explored in the first instance.
In the case of an application for grant and loan funding, for instance towards a property refurbishment or essential capital equipment needed to grow a business, we do not finance 100% of the investment.
In the case of grant-only applications, investors will need to find at least 70% of the remaining funds needed, and all payments are made in arrears of the approved investment.
Four strands of activity are supported by the funds - loan or grant.
Strands 1 and 2 - Town Centre and the Golden Mile (loan and grant)
Encompasses specific town centre and promenade areas and provides support to:
- Owners of vacant property in the defined area
- Businesses taking up vacant property in the defined area
- Businesses under threat of closure due to short term credit restrictions but viable in the long term
Strand 3 - Growth Businesses (loan and grant)
Covers the Blackpool Local Authority boundary and provides support to applicants looking to invest in their businesses and grow, leading to the creation or safeguarding of a significant number of jobs.
We can also provide support to property owners constructing new/improved floor space that meets an identified need for local or incoming businesses.
Strand 4 - Key Employers (loan only)
Covers the Blackpool Local Authority boundary area and provides support to key businesses where any loss or reductions in operation will seriously affect confidence levels in the town.
Businesses must be significant employers and will only be considered under this strand if the number of employees affected is at least 30. Businesses must be viable but may be affected by cash flow problems as a result of the credit crunch.
To see examples of businesses supported through Invest in Blackpool, please see our Case Studies shown below for the following;
For further information and to show an Expression of Interest, please contact Emily Trotter on 01253-477318 or e-mail emily.trotter@blackpool.gov.uk or Milena Williams on 01253 477340 or e-mail milena.williams@blackpool.gov.uk