The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 50: Aug/Sept 2020 | Page 14

LOVE LOCAL Swindon sponsored by Fiona Scott Media Consultancy Swindon has a history dating back to Anglo Saxon times and was a small agricultural town until the mid 1800s when the railway came. It then grew rapidly and even innovated when the railways closed finally in the 1970s. It was often during the following two decades, labelled the ‘fastest growing town in Europe’. Today it has a population of more than 192,000 and rising. It’s the second most economically active urban area in the South West, second only to Bristol. Love Local Swindon is sponsored by our own writer and PR consultant Fiona Scott. Fiona has lived and worked in Swindon since 1991 when she became a reporter on the local newspaper. She’s a member of Switch On To Swindon, advocates for the town as a local journalist and is a frequent town centre visitor with her family. “I support and applaud any move to bring in a variety of local retail businesses, to reinvigorate our town centre by embracing its amazing heritage and create a more modern ambiance. The town centre should offer a shopping experience, all stakeholders, including residents, must work in collaboration to achieve this.” Mark Rogers, BID Manager for inSwindon BID said, “We know for many of our retailers, face-to-face customer experience is a key selling point, and certainly for our high volume of independent retailers. Our Shine On Swindon campaign provides a visual marketing experience to encourage visitors to Love Local. It’s vital that we continue to support our businesses during this challenging time and continue to adapt with them and for them.” 5 SWINDON BUSINESSES RECOMMENDED BY FIONA 1. MCTAFF’S CAKES & TEA ROOM 39 The Arcade, founded by chef Lyndsey McCabe and offering cake catering alongside a traditional tearoom. A haven to grab a coffee and a cake with a friend or even if you are on your own. Find out more here: www.swindontowncentre.co.uk/ members/mcctaffs-cakes-andtea-room 2. SOMETHING DIFFERENT GIFT SHOP The Plaza, Brunel Centre (close to Sainsbury’s) – Run by brothers Lee and Ross Mulholland, who are Swindon born and bred. They opened the shop in 2015, offering a range of gifts and mix up their stock frequently. Lee said the motivation was to offer a ‘retail experience’ for customers and if that ‘experience’ is not there, they will simply buy online. Find out more here: www.somethingdifferentuk.co.uk 3. SEWCRAFT 33 Havelock Street – Run by couple Julie and Roger Shackles for the last 21 years. Julie, who is Swindon born and bred, took over the shop from her aunt and uncle who opened it in 1964. She believes that the success and longevity of the business is due to the personal service from a couple who know their sector well and will go the extra mile for every customer. Find out more here: www.sewcraftswindon.ltd.uk 4. BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 43 Faringdon Road, – run by husband & wife team Jane and Garry Watts. This business has been in the town for 29 years, initially in Old Town and then moved to the corner of Faringdon Road (opposite the railway village) in 1994. Offering designer wedding dresses as well as outfits for special occasions including proms – under the banner Simply Elegant. Jane believes the business has thrived due to a professional and personal service backed by reliable and innovative designers who deliver on time. The couple believe in service, service, service. For more information visit www.bridalboutique.co.uk 5. GATEWAY FURNITURE Brunel House, Havelock Square, – This charity shop with café supports the work of Gateway Furniture linked to the town’s Gateway Church in West Swindon. The charity provides very low cost white goods and furniture to vulnerable families across Swindon. The shop supports that activity and is a great place to grab a bargain and do some good locally at the same time. For more information visit: www.swindontowncentre.co.uk/ members/the-gate/ Visit The Business Exchange website and follow the #LoveLocalWilts hashtag on social media from Saturday 22nd August- Friday 28th August as we put the spotlight on more Swindon businesses thanks to Fiona Scott Media Consultancy. PRACTICAL PUBLIC RELATIONS WITH WORDS, PICTURES & VIDEO www.fionascott.co.uk [email protected] @theFionaScott 14 www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk