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Mayor showcases work of new independent businesses

Posted onPosted on 24th Jun

The work of five new independent businesses have been showcased by the Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams.

He visited the concerns, which have all benefited from Mansfield District Council’s Vacant Shop Grant scheme.

They were: Mansfield Refillery, Warsop; Burner & Wick, Mansfield Woodhouse, Darren Bettison Wellbeing Services, Ladybrook, Mansfield; and the Toffee Hut and Victoria Hallam Hair Salon, Mansfield town centre.

“These are exactly the kind of quality independent businesses we are keen to welcome in Mansfield,” said the mayor.

“I was so impressed by the drive and professionalism of the business owners who I met and they showed what this district has to offer at its best.

“They help to forge a unique identity to our high streets as well as embracing the latest trends in online shopping to reach audiences that go way beyond our own neighbourhood.

“The products of one of the businesses, Toffee Hut, have even caught the eye of Harrods and Selfridges.

“The council is fully committed to supporting local enterprise in every way possible to show that Mansfield is ‘Open for Business’.

“By shopping local, people will be supporting jobs and boosting the local economy, which keeps this district thriving and vibrant.

Mansfield Refillery, featured in a previous edition of the News Journal, is a zero waste shop run by Brianne and Jon Pritchard (pictured top), where shoppers can stock up on refills of household products or food using their own own containers. The shop also sells eco-friendly cleaning and bath products, local honey and vegan food products.

Burner & Wick, run by Emma Gilnicz, specialises in vegan-friendly scented candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.    

Darren Bettison Wellbeing Service offers outdoor group training classes and bespoke personal trainer services. Darren is one of a few coaches in the area qualified in biomechanics. His clients include Paralympic champion Sophie Wells, a world gold medallist in dressage.

Toffee Hut on Regent Street, Mansfield, sells chocolate and sweet products made on the premises by owner Rachel Richards and much more.

Victoria Hallam Hair Salon is based in the Old Town Hall.

Mansfield has seen a surge of start-ups during the past year with 95 business support enquiries made to Mansfield District Council since September 2020, 51 from new businesses.

The council’s business data intelligence service FAME shows that in Mansfield, business start-ups increased from 468 between April and December 2019 to 578 between April and December last year.

During the pandemic, the council has distributed a total of £34.5m in government support grants and £48,000 in council business support grants.

The Vacant Shop Grant offers independent traders who take a vacant retail space in the district up to £2,500 towards improvements to premises, fixtures and fittings, rental payments, insurance premiums, advertising and marketing costs.    

There are also council grants of up to £2,500 available for new businesses, expanding businesses or for independent retailers who want to improve their shop front.

Other support measures include:

Providing Covid Marshals and Ambassadors to offer advice to businesses and the public how to operate safely.

Peer to peer sessions supported by Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 to enable businesses to learn from each other.

Support from Environmental Health, Licencing and Town Centre operations to businesses.

To find out more go to www.mansfield.gov.uk/makingbusiness or email [email protected] or call 01623 463499.