SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: Time to celebrate local firms
By Simon Mulligan and Kelsey Maxwell St Helens Star
WITH today being Small Business Saturday, we have spoken to some of the town's independent firms.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
To acknowledge the day we spoke to some businesses in St Helens.
KALEIDOSCOPE record shop has been a fixture of the town centre for around three decades.
Owner Greg Duggins says he gets visitors from nearby and afar into his Westfield Street shop.
"I get my regulars who come in and a few people from out of town," said Greg.
"People will travel to a record shop, that is one good thing. I have had people from Liverpool and Manchester and one from Leeds and even a few from further afield.
"And from Japan, there's a coupe who come in every year to take records back to Japan."
Greg says he has a wide variety of age groups come in.
"It is more often the 30 and older but you do get youngsters who get into the vinyl revival."
SINCE launching in the heart of Rainford three and a half years ago, Ellamora has become a firm favourite in the borough.
The independent shop has people coming from afar to get their fashionable good, but owner Ali Harrison says the community is what makes it worth it.
Ali, 47, whose family used to own Tyrers in St Helens, said: "It's a privilege to be an independent business and make a success of it outside of the town centre itself.
"When you go to an independent business you are helping families and the community itself so it's great to celebrate that on Small Business Saturday really.
"I love what I do and the community and regulars make it truly worth it."
RUNNING is in the blood for the Crehan's, who have an Olympian, Olympic coach and St Helens 10k winner in the clan, so it made sense to the town when they opened up a specialist running shop this January.
Matt, who runs the shop on College Street with mum Susan, said: "For independent businesses the support of the local community is so vital, we're still in our first year here, and the support we've had from the community has been amazing.
"St Helens has a wealth of independent businesses from florists and butchers to fine dining restaurantsand so much more, and by supporting these we improve and grow the local economy, making our town a better place to live."
Do you know an independent business that needs to be celebrated for Small Business Saturday?
If so send in a picture of it and tell us the name and all about it
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Our friendly, family run gym was set up just over 3 years ago. Run by father & daughter Bobbie & Ellie Goulding. We have a range of fitness classes plus PT's on offer with very competitive prices including weekly deals. Our Monday eve Body Blast, Wednesday eve boxing & Friday eve bootcamp are our most popular classes and all our members are amazing people who give the place a real electric, positive atmosphere
Paula Goulding
St. Helens Photo Studio has been on Westfield Street for nearly 8 years. Proudly independent, it works to try and accommodate each and every customer no matter what their requirement. From photography to film processing, photographic gifts to custom picture framing, it tries to cover all different bases and access a wide variety of people. Photography wise there is a British Institute of Professional Photography qualified photographer to take photos of wedding celebrations and portraits in the on site studio.
Argha Dutta
This is Windle Labour Club, now privately owned. We are dedicated to providing a safe welcoming space with entertainment for all ages, such as live music, traditional pub games, SKY Sports etc and coming soon, our own in house catering for functions. The manager, Craig Leyland, has been involved with the venue for over 2 decades. After 2019, and hosting successful comedy nights, music gigs, charity events, parties and family get togethers such as funerals, the Club is relishing the next decade and going forward.
Sarah Rimmer
The Bridal Loft in St Helens Town centre I would like to put forward. Only been open 18 months and doing so weel.. They even donate dresses to charities who clients only have weeks to live.
contributed by community
I own pamperlicious by Kelly which is in catapult too building parade street St. Helens. I've been a beauty and an holistic therapist for over 17 years and I'm now proud to say I'm a trainer who teaches others to be therapists too... I also hold well being events at the mercure hotel where I bring around 60 small businesses together and help to network and support their own business. I'm very passionate in what I do and love bringing like minded people together
Kelly Fairhurst