The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 50: Aug/Sept 2020 | Page 18

LOVE LOCAL Bradford on Avon sponsored by OJO Solutions Bradford on Avon’s history goes back to 659, when Kenwalh, the King of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, fought a battle at the ford. In about 700 St Aldhelm, the Abbot of Malmesbury and a relation of King Ine, founded a small monastery to help convert the pagan West Saxons. When William the Conqueror ordered the Domesday Book to be compiled in 1086, Bradford on Avon was already a market town engaged in agriculture. From the Middle Ages until the late-19th century much of Bradford on Avon’s prosperity depended upon wool and the manufacture of woollen cloth, gradually evolving from a cottage industry to one based in large factories. The gradually declining cloth industry, following a bank failure and the development of woollen mills in the North of England, was replaced from 1848 by pioneering rubber works, which operated until 1994. Today, Bradford is an attractive small stone-built town of around 10,000 inhabitants. It’s sometimes overshadowed by its larger neighbour towns and is developing tourism and a new high-tech role in its post-industrial age. OJO Solutions is the sponsor of our Bradford on Avon Love Local campaign. OJO provides strategic digital thinking and beautifully crafted technology to help people see what’s possible and make it happen. From digital roadmaps, maturity models and managed digital transformations to building websites, apps and integrated solutions, OJO aim to make a difference in whatever they do. Nathan Baranowski, Managing Director, OJO Solutions, said, “Bradford on Avon has such a rich heritage, and a magical feel with its historic buildings, stunning countryside all around the vibrant town, and has the two rivers of Avon and Frome running through it as well as the functioning Kennet and Avon Canal. What delights to be able to choose from! “The people really bring it to life, from the locals who live and work here year-round, to the bustling summer months when many visitors come to see why this is such a place of attraction. “When you live and work in a community it is so important to support the things around you, which make the area what it is. Every business has something to offer, from local products and great services to the buildings, gardens, countryside all of which need to be enjoyed yet looked after so the next generation can be part of a thriving town in Bradford on Avon!” 5 BUSINESSES RECOMMENDED BY THE OJO TEAM 1. CHRISTINE’S SUSTAINABLE SUPERMARKET 33 Silver Street, sells organic, fairtrade, ethical and locally sourced products. It’s open 6 days a week (Mon-Sat) from 9:30am until 5:30pm. You can order over 1,000 products online via its new website: www.christinesboa.co.uk 2. TIMBRELLS YARD 49 St. Margaret’s Street is open all day every day offering somewhere to eat, drink and stay in Bradford on Avon. The busy restaurant is overseen by Tom Blake, formerly of River Cottage, and serves food which is local, authentic and tastes fantastic. Find out more: www.timbrellsyard.com 3. PIHA 8 Lambs Yard, Kingston Road is an independent business started by Jackie Allen in 2008. Starting out as a specialist surf and ski shop today PIHA stocks women’s and men’s clothing as well as accessories. The stock is constantly changing ensuring at every visit there’ll be something new to see. PIHA works with stockists from across Europe to give a unique shopping experience. To find out more visit www.piha.co.uk 4. GRANNY MO’S DELI & CAKES 30A Silver Street, offers quality home made food to takeaway. It caters for veggies and vegans and also sells bespoke cakes made to order. Find out more: www.grannymos.com 5. THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS 24A Bridge Street is an independent tea room steeped in history, its dated back as far as 1502. Inside the tea room, it’s kept the Victorian feel to its fullest extent; from the work attire, to the design throughout the interior. The tea rooms have regularly been selected as one of the best in the country. They offer afternoon teas, breakfast, lunch and all day menu and cakes and light bites. They often cater for bigger parties such as coach tours and family gatherings. To find out more: www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk Visit The Business Exchange website and follow the #LoveLocalWilts hashtag on social media from Saturday 12th September- Friday 18th September as we put the spotlight on more Bradford on Avon businesses thanks to OJO Solutions. Technology is here to make our lives simpler and easier, and we’re here to help. We love coffee and conversation, even if it’s virtual. Please get in touch to see how we might be able digitally transform your business. Email: [email protected] or call 01225 220 155. www.ojosolutions.co.uk 18 www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk