Leamington’s residents and visitors are being encouraged to support new businesses which opened in the town centre during the last 12 months despite the uncertainty of the pandemic.
BID Leamington, the organisation which has been supporting businesses throughout this period, wants to shine a light on the new businesses which have opened up in the town centre in the last year.
Around 22 new businesses opened in the last 12 months in Leamington town centre, and a further four expanded into new premises. In addition, more business openings are expected in the summer.
BID Leamington is now inviting residents and visitors back to welcome these new businesses to town and rediscover their old favourites too.
Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, said: “This has been an incredibly tough year for our business community. Inevitably, it has resulted in changes in the town centre, and will continue to do so.
“Whilst it is easy to focus on what we have lost, we also need to celebrate and support those that have survived and those that have chosen our beautiful town to open a new business or expand in.”
For some time, BID Leamington has felt Leamington’s strength is having businesses with unique and high-quality products and services offered in creative and innovative ways.
This continues to be seen in new businesses as well as existing ones which have used the time to adapt and add value.
“Walking around the town centre I am delighted by new discoveries and creative offerings and it is wonderful to see businesses combine enhanced experiences or convenience alongside their core high quality offer,” Steph added.
“Some examples of this are a café with children’s play area in ‘Little Cup’ and the performance-based café ‘Enchanted’. There is an amazing new courtyard to discover at the rear of ‘Red Hot Mamma Pizzeria’ and we are looking forward to ‘Hatch’ opening soon, which will be a cross between a barber and a coffee-shop manned by trained baristas.
“We’re also seeing more environmentally-focused business such as ‘Core’ expand and new businesses such as ‘Lola Provisions’ open. Leamington’s independent and niche retail sector has been strong in this area for some time, and is becoming increasingly important to customers.”
The ‘welcome’ back to the high street has also been supported by initiatives such as the ‘Leamington Young Talent’ exhibition in shop windows and promotions such as BID Leamington’s upcoming ‘Best Night Out in Ages’ competition which runs until May 31st.
“Taken together, alongside the planned programme of investment to Leamington that next year’s Commonwealth Games and other initiatives will bring, it means that despite the immediate challenges we have good reason to be optimistic about the future.” Steph reflected.
For information on the ‘Leamington Young Talent’ exhibition, visit www.lytevents.co.uk and to find a list of new and expanded businesses and details of the upcoming ‘Best Night Out in Ages’ competition, visit www.loveleamington.com.