New business advisers will help traders thrive in Rotherham
A NEW team of business advisers are to be introduced in Rotherham, to work directly with high street traders in a bid to improve the economy.
Rotherham Council wants to help traders improve their success, to help get more people into town and other centres, including Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby.
Their role will be to offer direct support and the appointment of the three experts is expected to be approved by the council’s cabinet team on May 11.
Cash was earmarked for the project when this year’s budget was drawn up.
In addition, each of the five locations will get a £25,000 activity fund, designed to back local promotions, events and campaigns to bring more people through the doors of independent shops and services.
Under the plans, the advisers will act as a familiar face for traders, working with them on issues from street safety and cleanliness to promotion, footfall and access to grants.
Advisers will have oversight of what is happening in each area, coordinating activity around events, crime prevention and wider business support.
The advisers will also play a key role in delivering the popular Shopfront Grants scheme, which has secured a further year of funding for 2026/27 through the Local Growth Fund, worth around £600,000. The scheme has already helped some businesses improve the appearance of their premises.
In addition, the team will work with councillors, residents and traders to decide how the £25,000 activity budgets in each area are spent. That could include marketing campaigns, seasonal events or joint promotions aimed at increasing footfall.
Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for local economy, said: “Our high streets are the heart of our communities, and this new team of High Street Business Advisers is about giving traders the direct, practical support they’ve told us they need.
“The advisers will be a visible, familiar presence, helping businesses tackle everyday issues, make the most of funding opportunities and work together to attract more people into our town and township centres. Alongside the £25,000 activity fund in each location, this investment will help strengthen Rotherham’s high streets, part of our wider commitment to ensuring our places are thriving, safe and clean.”