Support Local – Part 6
Meet the proudly independent people giving us good reason to stay loyal to local
Experience Guildford are delighted to be supporting a collaborative project between Growlers & Cans and Blackham Images, taking a closer look at the faces in front of some of Guildford’s most loved independent businesses as well as zooming in on some talented local musicians and artists.
Across the UK some 65% of retail outlets are independent businesses, plus many pubs, bars, restaurants, hairdressers and beauty salons also operate as independents. Their financial contribution to the local economy in which they exist far outweighs that of their national or online counterparts, with an estimated 50p to 70p of every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business staying in the local economy, compared to 40p in respect of larger businesses and as little as 5p for online traders.
Find out more about the next five faces featured:
The Bear Garden
10 Jeffries Passage
Guildford
Surrey GU1 4AP
Twitter: @thebeargarden
Facebook: @thebeargardenuk
Instagram: @thebeargardenuk
Name of person pictured:
Andrew Colborne-Baber
Business name:
The Bear Garden
Time in Guildford:
28 years. Est. 1992.
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
A specialist teddy bear and soft toy shop
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
There are so many great independent businesses in our beautiful town!
What’s next for the business (Tell us about a new project, product launch, expansion plans or anything that’s coming up that’s got you excited)?:
Our current focus is concentrating on continuing to offer our award-winning service to our customers all over the world, getting through this terrible pandemic and being here another 28 years!
The Gate Boutique
57 North Street
Guildford
GU1 4AH
Twitter: @TheGateShop
Facebook: @TheGateBoutique
Instagram: @thegateboutiqueguildford
Name of person pictured:
Sharon Rogerson
Business name:
The Gate Boutique
Time in Guildford:
8 years worked in The Gate Boutique but been around Guildford for 50 years
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
Independent designer boutique, offering high fashion and great customer service.
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Love the people and customers – everyone in Guildford is so friendly
What’s next for the business (Tell us about a new project, product launch, expansion plans or anything that’s coming up that’s got you excited)?:
Liz Trendle, the owner of The Gate Boutique, has been nominated for an award by Drapers. Drapers Awards highlight and celebrate the best in fashion retailing. We have also just launched our website which has really helped us during these difficult times
Andrews Landscaping
The Willows
Brookswood
New Road
Chilworth
GU4 8LZ
Name of person pictured:
Andy Stuttard
Business name:
Andrews Landscaping
Tom Fox Tailoring
14 Chapel Street
Guildford
GU1 3UL
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: @tomfoxtailoring
Instagram: @tomfoxtailoring
Name of person pictured:
Philip Denning
Business name:
Tom Fox Ltd
Time in Guildford:
Ten years
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
Bespoke tailoring service
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Guildford is an original, unique, clean, safe & happy place
What’s next for the business (Tell us about a new project, product launch, expansion plans or anything that’s coming up that’s got you excited)?:
Always new cloths, new styles, niche ideas
Salvatore’s
4 Castle Street
Guildford
GU1 3UW
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: @sslvatire
Instagram: N/A
Name of person pictured:
Donato Lanzetta
Business name:
Salvatore’s
Time in Guildford:
28 years
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
Family run barber shop business, great customers, great town
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Love the people, it is a beautiful town and we are situated in a lovely location, near the castle and with a great view looking on to the High Street
What drives your business?:
Our ongoing adventure is meeting new customers. Our business is driven by word of mouth, which is what makes us who we are – business is good and we hope that the shop will continue to thrive long in to the future
Take a closer look at the portraits by visiting Growlers & Cans and get to know these local business heroes over a pint and #SupportLocal.