Flowering Success For New Florist
Business is blooming at a newly opened
florist in Heywood, thanks to a grant scheme attracting new companies into
the town centre.
Tayler James Flowers on Market Street has flung open its doors to the public
and specialises in everything from freshly cut floral bouquets to arranging
weddings, funerals and other function flowers.
Business owner Joanne Crux decided to set up shop in Heywood shortly after
the original Bakers Outdoor Leisure property was revamped and converted into
two shops and new office space.
One of the retail units accommodates Joanne’s new business and the
other is home to Bakers Outdoor Leisure shop.
The transformation of Bakers Outdoor Leisure was only made possible by a
Property Improvement Programme grant, which was delivered by Rochdale Development
Agency and funded by New Heart for Heywood.
The grant has transformed the exterior of the property to include new shop
fronts and bright new signage. Describing her new shop, Joanne said: “Since
opening, we’ve had a constant stream of customers and I’m sure
it’s because of our attractive surroundings.
“The shop looks very modern and up-market from the outside; I like
it because it’s a basic design, minimalist, modern and attractive.
I think the improvements and general refurbishment has made a great deal
of difference because we certainly haven’t been short of custom since
we first opened. People driving past can’t help noticing the colourful
signage outside so the changes really do stop traffic!”
Carole Baker, the owner of the original Bakers Outdoor Leisure shop, applied
for the Property Improvement Programme Grant with the help of her daughter
Sarah to complete the makeover and is delighted with the results.
She said: “Customers always make positive remarks when they come into
the shop and passers by have all given their thumbs up to the changes that
have been made.
“We decided to apply for the grant because we wanted to transform
the exterior of the property but we also invested additional money to re-arrange
the interior layout of the shop by making use of space that previously went
unused.
“Apart from keeping Bakers Outdoor Leisure and opening up a new florist,
there are plans in the pipeline for a recruitment agency to move in. We think
the grant is a fantastic scheme and lots of new businesses have already started
benefiting in the town.”
Mr & Mrs Baker bought Bakers Outdoor Leisure in 1963 when the property
was known as Bakers Army & Navy and moved into the shop with their three
children.
During Mrs Baker’s 47-year career, the name of the shop has changed
from Bakers Army & Navy to Bakers Outdoor People and then Bakers Outdoor
Leisure in 2000.
Over 22 businesses in Heywood have benefited from Property Improvement Grants
to date, and £369,000 has been awarded in total.
Carole and Sara also wanted to thank Julie Evans for giving them the confidence
and help in going forward with the improvements.
The Property Improvement Programme funds have now ended, but Resident Director
of NDC Malcolm Bruce stressed how big a difference the work had made to the
town.
He said: “The work that’s taken place at Bakers Outdoor Leisure
shows that Property Improvement grants have helped to transform the face
of the town centre.
“Visitors and investors are being encouraged to shop and bring business
into Heywood, and this is partly because the premises in the town centre
are attractive and undergoing a lot of change.
“We are delighted that businesses like Carole and Joanne’s are
benefiting from the scheme and that shops are thriving with new customers.”
For more information please contact Gayle Nicol, IPB Communications tel
0161 976 1414 email gayle.nicol@ipbcommunciations.co.uk
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