Support Local – Part 4
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:
Home Projects
Twitter: @kevin_steer
Facebook: N/A
Instagram: N/A
Name of person pictured:
Kevin Steer
Business name:
Home Projects
Time in Guildford: I’ve lived in Guildford for 24 years.
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less: A husband and wife team who renovate homes and properties
Tell us what you love about Guildford: It’s picturesque and I love the sense of community here. One of my favourite things to do is hang out with friends in Growlers and Cans!
What’s next for the business: To expand the business and grow the team.
Swift Stitch
8-12 Haydon Place
Guildford
GU1 4LL
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: @SwiftStitch
Instagram: N/A
Name of person pictured:
Ban Araf
Business name:
Swift Stitch
Time in Guildford:
11 years, since 2009
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
Tailoring/Dry Cleaning Service/Same Day Service/Free Fitting
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Love the whole experience of being in Guildford – such a lovely town
Annabel Allum
Twitter: @AnnabelAllum
Facebook: @AnnabelAllumOfficial
Instagram: @annabelallum
Name of person pictured:
Annabel Allum
Tell us about yourself in 10 words or less:
Touring singer songwriter living in Guildford
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Guildford is full of hidden gems, and that’s why I love it. I played some of my first shows here, and always love coming back. The support is immense. I can always find myself somewhere quiet to hide out in, hang out with friends in the local pubs, or be in nature in minutes.
What’s next:
I’m currently working on my debut album, and planning our best live show yet. I can’t wait to be back on the road again. When I’m allowed, it’ll be shows, shows, and more shows!
Kyan
F3 Phoenix Court
13-21 High Street
Guildford
GU1 3DG
Twitter: @kyan
Facebook: @kyanmedia
Instagram: @kyanagency
Name of person pictured:
Piers Palmer
Business name:
Kyan
Time in Guildford:
10 years
Tell us about the business in 10 words or less:
We are a technology agency
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
Born and bred in the Guildford area, I love the proximity to the leafy Surrey Hills and the access to the bright lights of London which makes for a good balance for work and play. The Guildford bars and pubs have played a large part in my enjoyment of the area and still continue to do so.
What’s next for the business:
We are looking forward to re-launching our flagship WXG technology event in Guildford next year and hearing from great speakers from around the world about how we can harness good design and technology for good.
Murals & Portraits
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: @muralsportraits
Instagram: N/A
Name of person pictured:
Nathalie Beauvillain Scott
Business name:
Murals & Portraits
Time in Guildford:
I have lived in Guildford for 28 years
Tell us what you love about Guildford:
I love the sense of community Guildford has
What’s next for the business:
I am currently working towards an exhibition “Faces of Guildford” which will include portraits of people who have had an impact on the Guildford community one way or another in the past and the present. I have just finished Gavin Thomas( Gavin and his Guitar) s portrait. The exhibition should be ready by September 2021.
Take a closer look at the portraits by visiting Growlers & Cans and get to know these local heroes over a pint and #SupportLocal.