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The Ice Cream of the Crop on Merseyside wins two more awards

5 Aug 2024

A family-run business that "people come from everywhere" to visit has won two awards. John Hughes is the proud owner of West Kirby's Ice Cream Shop which specialises in creating every... Read more…

Small shop owners reject government’s Work from Home policy, warning they may lose 60% of customers

5 Aug 2024

Workers' rights plans guaranteeing the right to flexible working whenever feasible has led to small shop owners voicing strong concerns about its potential impact on their businesses.
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Pudsey shop gets into festive spirit early to support people on their ow

22 Jul 2024

It may only be July – but a shop in Pudsey is getting into the Christmas spirit by announcing festive plans to support people who will be by themselves.
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New campaign encourages people to support independent businesses in Midsomer Norton

22 Jul 2024

A ‘Shop, Dine and Visit Local’ campaign has been launched in Midsomer Norton with backing from businesses and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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Barrowford shop owner gift wraps to raise money for cancer charity.

22 Jul 2024

Andrea Pinder, owner of the Presentations Cards and Gifts shop in Barrowford, North East of Blackburn in the Pendle district of Lancashire,  has raised £1,000 for the Rosemere... Read more…

King’s speech includes proposed bills to reform retail industry

22 Jul 2024

The King’s Speech in Parliament last week, which outlined 40 draft laws that the government is aiming to pass in the coming parliamentary session, included some that will directly affect... Read more…

Convenience Stores Top List of Services that Promote Local Growth

22 Jul 2024

The nation’s local convenience stores are the number one service for promoting local growth, according to new findings.
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Business rate reform called for as industry reacts to landslide Labour election win

9 Jul 2024

Following Labour’s general election win, the retail industry has stressed the need for a business rates overhaul to protect high streets across the country.
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Bira calls on new Labour government to prioritise independent retail sector

9 Jul 2024

Following Labour’s landslide Election victory, Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, has urged the new government to make good on its promise of change by prioritising the... Read more…

Much loved toyshop saved by owner's daughter

9 Jul 2024

A much-loved toy shop in Aberystwyth that was facing closure has been saved after the former shopkeeper's daughter decided to take over the reins.
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Town centre shops praise council for initiatives

Posted on in Business News

Businesses in the Devon town of Ottery St Mary have praised their local council for initiatives designed to help support them and boost trade.

Marmalade

Image: facebook.com/rabbitandco.uk

 Ottery St Mary Town Council introduced a grants scheme offering up to £500 to repaint and update shop fronts, along with late night shopping, Christmas events, and a Visit Ottery campaign project.

 Speaking to the BBC, businesses in the town said the shop fronts project had helped boost footfall.

 Earlier this year, the South West Business Council said one in five shops were empty across the region and 1,800 premises closed in 2022.

 The town centre has had five shops open in recent months, the town council said.

 Nicholas Scott, from grocers Rabbit and Co, said the town council had been very supportive.

 He said: "Primarily one of the biggest things for us was when we expanded into this shop here, they contributed to the exterior decoration, helping us make the shop front look nice."

 He said he also hoped nearby housing developments would increase footfall further.

 Grace Mangeng, who opened her hair salon in December, also said the shop fronts project had helped.

 "The shops are looking really, really good which is also bringing people into town and bringing more custom in as well," Ms Mangeng said.

 The town council said: "The council recognises the value of a thriving High Street to help generate a thriving local economy and have already launched a number of initiatives to support our wonderful businesses."

 Ottery St Mary's deputy mayor Dean Stewart said it was great to see shops coming to the town and the council was doing "everything it can" to help.

 

 

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