Assisted Areas

What are Assisted Areas?

Assisted Area status is awarded to a small number of areas in the UK and allows small businesses and large enterprises in less economically advantaged locations to benefit from additional financial support under EU Regional Aid Guidelines. This support is offered to encourage business in these communities to grow, innovate and thrive.

Which areas in Torbay are Assisted Areas?

Three wards in Torbay are classified as Assisted Areas until 2020. These are:

• Blatchcombe – the outskirts of Paignton including White Rock Business Park and Yalberton Industrial Estate
• Shiphay with the Willows – the area surrounding Torbay hospital including Edginswell Business Park and Woodlands Trading Estate
• Tormohun – stretching from Torre Station to Torquay town centre

More detailed information on whether your business is in an Assisted Area is available from the TDA’s interactive map or on the Government website.

What are the benefits of Assisted Areas?

Assisted Area status does not carry additional funding, but it does mean existing Government funds for businesses can be applied more generously using the regional aid allowance. This includes grant funds such as the Regional Growth Fund. An introduction to Assisted Areas can be found on the Government website.

Business Premises Renovation Allowance

Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) is designed to encourage conversion and renovation of empty business properties in Assisted Areas. BPRA provides a 100% tax relief to property owners on money spent on conversion or renovation works on a building. The relief is available to individuals and partnerships as well as companies. Further information on BPRA is available here: www.gov.uk/business-premises-renovation-allowance-bpra

TDA can provide support to businesses seeking to apply for funding, please contact us on 01803 207922.