Nine firms are set up thanks to Portas cash
Nine businesses have opened in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford after taking advantage of a tax holiday.
The discount business rate scheme worth up to £10,000 was introduced to fill empty shops in the three areas.
The project was funded by a £100,000 Government grant – inspired by TV retail guru Mary Portas – called the High Street Innovation Fund.
Five companies have set up in Cannock, three in Rugeley and one in Hednesford.
The first company to take advantage of the scheme was Card Stop in Market Hall Street, Cannock.
The firm already had branches at the Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley, as well as in Kidderminster, Sedgley and Stourbridge.
Manager Tom Banner said four months on, the store was doing well.
He said: "The discount gave us the extra incentive to come to the town. We were in two minds and this really tipped us over the edge to go for it.
"Business rates are hard for anyone to deal with.We are very happy here in Cannock and business is going well.
"It is great for the town that empty shop units are being filled and it is fantastic news that other companies have got involved.
"The council must be given credit for this scheme and we wish others would do the same. It has been a real success story."
Chris Plant, director of Chase Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is very encouraging for the local economy, as well as tackling the high number of shops in our town centres this scheme is also helping to create much-needed employment in this difficult economic climate.
"I hope, also, it will make it easier for people to get into business."
