5 SWINDON BUSINESSES RECOMMENDED BY FIONA
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 fiona @ fionascott . co . uk @ theFionaScott
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