Member Article

Fledgling businesses open just in time for Christmas

Five fledging businesses have made their home in Stockton Council’s Enterprise Arcade in the heart of Stockton town centre – just in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The five new businesses now trading from the Enterprise Arcade are Wags and Whiskers, Poppy Rose, Tippytoes, Vintage Ice and Mini Munchkins.

Carl Shepherdson owns Wags and Whiskers, a pet boutique selling a range of quality and handmade products such as leads, collars, beds and accessories.

Poppy Rose is run by Louise McGrogan-Wright and Ann McGrogan. They sell a range of quirky, handmade gifts, decorations and home wares.

Lisa Morgan runs Tippytoes which offers a wide range of children’s shoes as well as a foot-measuring service. She also sells personalised gifts, hampers and accessories for special occasions.

Wedding planning business, Vintage Ice, has everything a bride and groom could need to help them organise the perfect day. Tammy Hackett who runs the business offers a bespoke design service allowing couples to design their own wedding flowers, jewellery, accessories and cakes.

Mini Munchkins is a baby shop selling a lovely range of clothing lines, blankets, gifts, hampers and much more. Emma Wright who owns the business also offers an embroidery service to personalise items.

Stockton Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: “Businesses like those in the Enterprise Arcade are just some of the growing number of independent shops Stockton has to offer.

“We want to encourage new businesses to come to Stockton town centre and the Enterprise Arcade shows that with the right support new business ideas can flourish, succeed and go on to permanently establish themselves in the High Street.”

The Enterprise Arcade offers new businesses a chance to test trade and develop their enterprises in a safe yet busy retail environment on the High Street.

The Enterprise Arcade is complementing Stockton Council’s multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre by supporting and encouraging independent retailers to choose Stockton as a place to do business.

Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Kathryn Nelson visited the arcade to talk to the owners of the businesses about how the Enterprise Arcade has helped them turn their businesses ideas into a reality.

Since it opened in February, 2011, 22 businesses have traded from the arcade with many of them successfully going on to establish themselves in their own premises in the Town Centre.

The Enterprise Arcade, which is situated at 147 High Street near Debenhams is open Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5pm.

For full details of Stockton Council’s multi-million pound vision for Stockton town centre, visit www.rediscoverstockton.co.uk

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