We’re Backing Stroud – quirky and thriving independent businesses are at the very heart of our community

---------------------------------------

BUSINESS in Stroud is flourishing, with the town developing a reputation for its quirky style, independent coffee shops, eateries and vintage clothes stores.

Furthermore, the world’s first green electricity company, Ecotricity has just unveiled plans to transform the old tax office in Merrywalks into a stunning new building, creating 300 more jobs.

Meanwhile, Stroud District Council continues to encourage young entrepreneurs by offering networking opportunities and small business rate relief.

Among these businesses finding success is the trendy Kitsch Coffee & Wine Bar at Ebley Wharf, which has announced its second expansion in just five years.

Under the stewardship of Kerri Vernon – who started the business aged just 18 - the bar has gone from strength to strength and now requires somewhere bigger. It is moving into the nearby former Mace store.

“We’ve had a really great three years at our current premises but we’ve outgrown the space,” said Kerri.

“This move will allow us a lot more space and a bigger kitchen to expand this side of the business.”

Kerri is hoping to complete the move by April 28. The business will also be taking over the vacant Wharf Buttery, which will serve takeaway coffee and ice cream among other things.

The Buttery been empty for two months – but Kerri hopes to have it open again within weeks.

Kitsch is not the only business which is thriving - many shops are doing well too and expanding.

Caroline Ractliffe opened Intrigue of Stroud in the town centre in 2013 and expanded the eclectic gift and clothes business by opening a second store Mosaic last year.

“I decided to reinvest my profits from Intrigue and grow my business,” she said. “I think independent stores work in Stroud because people in here like to shop ethically and also support the local community.”

Vintage stores owners David Ireland and Rebecca Thomlinson say independent traders have always been given support.

“Stroud is a bohemian place and independent shops work here as they fit in with the artistic nature of the town,” said David, who runs Time After Time.

“There is a lot of goodwill towards independent businesses in Stroud and that’s one of the main reasons I set up here,” added Rebecca, who runs Strangeness and Charm.

Stroud District Council has been at the heart of encouraging the development of small businesses in the area.

The recent Future Local business event provided networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs as well as offering advice on issues such as business rates, health and safety, websites, social media, business continuity and much more.

The council is also trying to encourage small traders to apply for business rate relief following national changes to business rates.

Simon Killen, who heads-up the team which looks after business rates collection, said: “Encouraging businesses growth is critical to the success and vitality of the local economy.

“Currently, over a third of businesses benefit from small business rate relief, and we try and push it as much as we can, so would encourage anyone who has not applied to look out for the letter and respond – it could save them a substantial amount.”