Once you pop up... (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond proves that once you pop up...

7:00am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in News By Clare Buchanan

Richmond Council is making a desperate plea for landlords with vacant shop premises to accommodate the high number of people wishing to open pop-up businesses.

Pop-up shops have grown in popularity across the country, enabling entrepreneurs to open their ‘pop-up’ business from temporary premise while waiting for a permanent place to become available.

The benefits for the landlord include the tenant being responsible for covering the business rates, utilities and insurance costs.

If the shop is let for more than six weeks, the landlord receives another three months free of business rates if it is empty again.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for business, culture and community, said: “Temporary ‘pop-up’ shops have come of age and are now desirable features of many town centres, often used for creative uses, bringing local talents to the high street, providing a stepping stone for emerging entrepreneurs.

“We have a small grant scheme in place to support those that could make temporary use of an empty shop but still need properties for these people to use. If we can generate properties, we will be able to boost the high streets which will benefit the landlord, the tenant and the community as a whole.”

Recent successful pop-up shops include the Pop-up Britain shop opposite Richmond station and a temporary shop in Sheen, aided by a council grant, accommodated several businesses and also proved hugely successful.

For more information, visit richmond.gov.uk/business or email business@richmond.gov.uk.