Euan Stainbank MP: Bring your business to Falkirk's town centre

The memories I have made in the shadow of the steeple are tied closely to my identity as a born and bred Falkirk bairn. I know that our town centre, and the changes it has seen — some for the better, some for the worse — inspire strong opinions and powerful emotions.

That shows just how much its future matters to people across Falkirk district.

The Falkirk Business Improvement District continues to support and fight for our town centre businesses. Our police have recently been tackling the anti-social use of e-bikes with the resources they have, and unique businesses and social enterprises continue to choose Falkirk High Street as their home.

However, serious challenges remain. Footfall has not recovered since the pandemic, parking availability and affordability remain significant issues, and the broken Scottish business rates system — which punishes small town centre businesses while benefiting out-of-town multinationals — has been left untouched for decades, including by the current SNP Scottish Government.

That is why the £21.5 million of additional investment secured for Falkirk from the UK Labour Government matters. It must deliver visible and practical interventions where they are needed most. Falkirk was one of only two areas in Scotland, alongside Glasgow, to receive both Neighbourhood funding — £20 million for Hallglen and the Braes Villages — and the £1.5 million Impact Fund, which must be spent before next April.

Last month, the Vacant Premises Improvement Grant, funded through the Impact Fund, was launched. It will help bring empty high street and town centre premises back into use, with sole traders, partnerships, businesses and third-sector organisations eligible for support of up to £25,000.

When Falkirk Council consulted on the Impact Fund earlier this year, I responded with three proposals for projects on the High Street. While I understand the council has balanced funding across the district, I believe there is an exceptional case for investing to support businesses in the town centre — a place in which everyone across Falkirk district has a stake.

Before politics, I worked on the High Street. I know how hard every local business works, often in difficult circumstances, to keep serving their customers and clients. I have lived the early mornings, the 12-hour shifts and understand the passionate desire to go above and beyond for every customer.

This funding must back the people who want to bring their passion, skills and ideas to our High Street. One grant scheme alone will not solve every challenge, but it can help support the entrepreneurs, community groups, local employers and growing businesses ready to invest in Falkirk’s future.

The funding has been secured. Now it must be seen to drive real improvement.

For anyone with a project that could bring vacant premises back into use, I encourage you to check whether you may be eligible and consider applying. Visit https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/grants-and-funds-available-for-businesses/vacant-premises-improvement-grant