Several retailers at Broadway Market have shared mixed opinions on Hackney Council’s new High Street and Town Centres Fund which offers individual businesses up to £10,000.
Applications for the new scheme opened on 4 December for small businesses – defined as having 49 or fewer employees – including market traders. The £500,000 fund aims to help small businesses to recover from the pandemic and increase local spending.
Irene Chew of Hoshi Street Food described the fund as “better than nothing”, and said she would consider applying.
When asked whether he thought £10,000 per business was enough to aid in recovery, Kieran O’Connor of Stanchion Books said “For me personally, I think so yeah.”
Ms Rikke from Sun.Day candles said it depended on the business, that as a retail store in the pandemic they “seemed to thrive” but that “many others have really been hit hard.”
She questioned whether for some, “does it even begin to scratch the surface?”
Businesses can also apply for up to £50,000 in partnership with ‘community groups, charities, voluntary and community sector organisations’, according to the council website.
Anthony and Susan Goodman of Village Vinyl said they wouldn’t apply for the fund as they’re not dependent on the market for income, but for those who are it would be “really important”.
Anthony added: “It would be tragic for Hackney if the market were to fold because the traders couldn’t afford to keep going.”
Speaking about the council’s actions during the pandemic, Goodman said they “kept us fully informed of all the changes as time has gone on, so we’ve been aware of what’s been happening”.
Ms Rikke also said: “I have a feeling that the traders have a good relationship with Hackney Council.”
Applications for the fund close on 9 January with the outcome announced in February 2022.
