A new bar in Andover has been awarded a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Morgan Copelin and Matthew Creeper opened the Duck and Tipple in London Street, Andover, in February this year. The bar offers cocktails as well as the usual range of pub drinks. For the peckish, the menu offers a selection of tasty nibbles, burgers and dirty fries – and the bar’s popular takeaways can be booked online.
Morgan said, “We are building up a loyal customer base in Andover and it is great to be awarded the grant as a boost to the business. We are currently planning improvements to the layout in order to provide some additional indoor seating at the premises”.
Recipients of the £1,200 grant receive £600 after three months of trading and a further £600 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.
Councillor Debbie Cattell representing St Mary’s ward, who presented the cheque to Morgan, said: “I am so pleased that the Duck and Tipple has been awarded the independent retailer grant. The grant schemes are a great boost to new businesses in Test Valley. I wish Morgan every success.”
These funds have become available to the community as a result of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus.
For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk
