A NEW scheme means some shops will receive business rate relief this year.

The relief is up to £1000 a year to all occupied retail premises with a rateable value of £50,000 or less.

It will apply for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years to premises that are used as shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs.

This will cover a wide variety of businesses from florists, bakers and greengrocers to jewellers, opticians and petrol stations. It will also extend to travel agents, car showrooms, hair and beauty services and garden centres among many more.

The rate relief was agreed by Trafford Council on March 31.

For further information about business support in Trafford visit www.trafford.gov.uk/business