Member Article

Cake decorator expands to Teesside town centre

A cake decoration shop is the latest independent business to expand into what is becoming a bustling hub of independent town centre retailers.

Dec-a-cake has opened new, larger premises at the south end of Stockton High Street having already spent a successful 18 months trading in Regency Mall.

Deputy Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Barbara Inman, officially opened the premises, and owner Vicky Pepper said: “I’m really excited about the next months and years for Dec-a-cake in our new location on Stockton High Street.

“The southern end of the High Street looks fantastic now that the works are complete and my shop is in a prime position now so I’m confident trade is going to get better and better.”

In the last 10 months nearly 40 new businesses have established themselves and many more have expanded or relocated in the town centre.

Five of the new businesses began trading in Stockton’s Enterprise Arcade before moving into permanent premises within the town centre.

Stockton Council’s Enterprise Arcade provides low cost retail space to new businesses plus a full package of business support to potential retailers.

Meanwhile, the recently completed expansion of the Castlegate Centre’s Spencer Market has created even more retail space in Stockton town centre.

Many businesses have chosen to relocate to the Spencer Market and it has also recently become home to seven new traders selling a whole range of products from a sweet shop to a fish shop, greengrocers and gifts.

The choice available for shoppers visiting Stockton town centre is also continuing to broaden on the High Street and in surrounding streets such as Ramsgate, Dovecot Street, Finkle Street, Wellington Square, West Row and Yarm Lane.

Among the new, expanded or relocated businesses are beauticians, hairdressers, bakeries, cake shops, coffee and tea shops, ladies’ and men’s fashion, jewellers, a record shop, a toy shop, florists, furniture shops, clothing alteration and repair shops and even a pet shop.

Stockton Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “The regeneration of the town centre is continuing at pace and it is really encouraging to see businesses are showing their confidence in the town’s on-going and future success by establishing themselves in the town.

“New independent businesses are opening regularly which means Stockton Town Centre can offer a unique shopping experience and that’s already encouraging more people to shop here.

“These varied shopping options are complementing the traditional market as well as the specialist markets programme which continues most weekends throughout the year.”

Meanwhile, Stockton Council is continuing to support anyone interested in trading in the town.

A combination of support packages are available. To find out more about the business support packages available email business.enquiries@stockton.gov.uk or call 01642 528384.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .