Alcester business moves to the High Street thanks to council Covid grant - The Stratford Observer

Alcester business moves to the High Street thanks to council Covid grant

Stratford Editorial 14th Jul, 2022   0

A MARKETING and technology business based in Alcester has moved into the town centre thanks to a grant from Stratford District Council (SDC) – and brought super fast broadband to the High Street as an added bonus.

CAB Studios was launched 20 years ago and specialises in building digital platforms and driving business growth with online marketing in a variety of sectors including hospitality and property. It has worked with clients ranging from the Body Shop to Fitness First.

After being based in Longbarn Village in Alcester for the last seven years, the business decided to buy premises in the town as more of its 31-strong staff split their time between the office and working from home.

To make the move possible CAB applied for a grant from the £1.2 million given by the government to SDC for its Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme.




CAB Studios was successful in receiving £40,000 towards installing new floors, painting, plastering, and internal work to provide a creative work space.

Matt Wood, a partner at CAB Studios, said the difference the grant had made has been incredible with staff loving their new environment.


He continued: “As a business, receiving this grant has been one of the best things we have ever received because in the past, we thought this doesn’t happen to businesses like ours. It has made a monumental difference.

“Covid-19 made everyone aware that there are different ways of working but your culture can stay strong because it is more about the values of the business.

“We had a war chest to cover the deposit of buying the building but we didn’t have any money for the fit-out.

“The whole process was amazing and it means a building that has been empty for the last two years is our new home. Our staff absolutely love it here because it is light and airy with collaborative space and since we are hot-desking it is a great way to get to know colleagues.

“This has really plugged us into the Alcester business community and we are also winning new work, particularly the hospitality sector with at least one new client coming on board every week”.

Part of the refit involved paying BT Open Reach £6,000 to have Super-Fast Broadband installed into their building. CAB Studios was the first in Alcester High Street to do so and, as a result, all businesses in the street now have access to Super-Fast Broadband.

Coun Jo Barker, SDC spokesperson for homes, health and wellbeing, said: “Having spent all its original government grant funding, the council took the decision to focus the additional £1.2 million on those businesses who were reacting to the consequences of the pandemic.

“The council was very clear that we wanted the funding spread across the whole district and that it was about saving and creating jobs for the future. The results have been excellent”.

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