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Retailer Choose Blackwood over Newport
A seasoned retailer Gary Reynolds has decided to close his shop in Newport so that he can concentrate on his business in Blackwood town centre. The business called Mr Mobile sells a large range of phone accessories as well as pre-owned phones, it also undertakes repair work. Known locally as ‘The Irish One’ the shop is located in Gravel Lane, which links the High Street and The Market Place Shopping Centre. Gary originally began the business working from a stall in markets before opening shops on South Wales high streets. He has been trading in Blackwood for the last 12 years. Gary said: I needed to focus on just one shop so I choose Blackwood and closed in Newport. I like the town and the people here are really nice and very friendly which makes a difference to how you spend your day. Mr Mobile supports the Armed Forces & Emergency Services by offering serving personnel a discount.
Manic’s Star Chooses Blackwood High Street
When the Manic Street Preachers frontman James Dean Bradfield is in Blackwood and needs some new guitar strings he goes to see his friend Simon Fowler who runs Rusty’s Guitars & Retro Store. Previously, Simon and his wife Trish ran Must Have Music for over 12 years and now they have relocated to Emily’s Indoor Market situated above Wilko’s on Blackwood High Street. Rusty’s Guitars & Retro Store sells a wide range of guitars and accessories including strings, sheet music & amplifiers as well as diversifying into pre-owned computer games and film merchandise. Simon said: At Rusty’s Guitars & Retro Store our aim is to get people to ‘Rock ‘n’ Shop local’. When someone wants to buy a guitar from us we spend time making sure they choose the right one for them. Selling someone a guitar is the just the start of a long-term relationship with our customers as we help them enjoy their music.
Here Come the Girls
Working in retail has given four women in Caerphilly more than a just job; it has also provided them with the opportunity to make lifelong friends with the people they work with. Dawn Shaddick, Kerry Ball, Sandra Mills and Zorka Honeyball are all employed by Boots in its Caerphilly store which is located in Castle Court Shopping Centre. Dawn and Kerry have been with the health & beauty retailer for over 30 years, originally working for the company when it had a shop in Pentrebane Street. Whilst Sandra and Zorka have worked for Boots for 16 years joining when the retailer relocated to the new Castle Court Shopping Centre in 1995. Dawn said: Boots is an excellent company to work for and treat their staff really well, which is why we’ve all stayed so long. Working together the four of us have become really good friends and we take care of each other.
Success on the Menu for Family Fish & Chip Shop
When brothers Stephen and Paul Clarke took over a well established Fish & Chip shop in Caerphilly town centre in 2012, they knew they would have to prove to residents that the new business was just as good as the old one. After 4 years the bothers have established their own place in the hearts of local people and Clarkes Family Fish & Chip shop in Pentrebane Street is a thriving business. The café not only offers takeaway fish and chips, but also an inside dinning area as well as outside seating which is part of the town’s Café Quarter. Stephen said: When you take over a business you have to respect the tradition and history, but you also want to put your own stamp on it. Over the last few years as a family we have worked hard to maintain the existing trade but also attract new customers.
New Website Keeps Retailer in Pole Position
In 1974 John Walbyoff took the unusual step of taking over a garage which was situated at the heart of Bargoed town centre. Today, Fairview Trade Sales is still located on Cardiff Road and is run by John’s son Carl and his son Nicky. The showroom displays up to 15 cars with the business holding a stock of around 25 cars at any one time. Far from standing still, Fairview Trade Sales have just invested in a new website www.fairviewtradesales.co.uk which is designed to showcase their speciality for selling low mileage vehicles. Carl said: People trust us as a business which means that we get a lot of repeat custom. Fairview Trade Sales is a family business and I believe that still matters to customers when they decide to buy a car for us.
Caerphilly Entrepreneur Opens New Shop
A Caerphilly entrepreneur Peggy Parish has opened her latest shop in Caerphilly town centre. The new shop, located in Cardiff Road, is called 50+ Later Life Planning and specialises in providing funeral plans and advice for people who are over 50. The shop is the latest in a chain of 9 outlets across South Wales. Peggy started the business in 2011 initially working in local markets and shopping malls before opening the first shop in Cwmbran later that same year. Peggy said: I am a Caerphilly girl so this new shop is really special to me. At 50+ Later Life Planning we help families by providing a funeral plan which gives people peace of mind and helps their loved ones in the future.
Bargoed’s Big Heart
The heart of the community is beating strong in Bargoed town centre thanks to the multi agency work taking place at St Gwladys Church Hall. The facility is now being used each week by a host of different groups including: Young at Hearts over 55’s group Toddler group Pop in & Play Parent Network Craft Group Communities First Women’s Peer Support WEA classes to develop life skills One part of the work at St Gwladys Church Hall that aims to make a difference to people lives is the CAP Debt Centre, which offers a free debt counselling service. For more information about this or to find out more about the range of groups that are meeting at the hall contact the office 01443 836600 or email Community Project Coordinator Miriam Page miriam@stgwladys.org Miriam said: I believe that St Gwladys’ is a safe place where the whole community is welcome to meet together to socialise and develop life skills.
Successful Business Fits into Busy Town
Infinite Kitchens & Bathrooms see Blackwood town centre as the perfect fit for their growing business. The business was started by Mike Sharpe who began his working life installing kitchens and bathrooms for his fathers business in Abertillery. When his father retired, Mike decided to put his experience to good use and set up his own business called Infinite Kitchens & Bathrooms. The company has just celebrated the first anniversary of opening a showroom on Blackwood High Street. Mike said: From my experience fitting kitchens and bathrooms I understand how important the quality of the product is. That’s why at Infinite Kitchens & Bathrooms we source our range carefully so that we provide our customers with a quality kitchens and bathrooms at reasonable prices
Next Generation Takes Over Family Business
Tidal’s Store is a family run business located on High Street in Blackwood town centre specialising in home furnishing. The business has been run for five generations by the “The Edwards Family” and is currently managed by Huw Edwards who has taken over following the retirement of his parents Ian & Beverly. Over the years shops have opened and closed but since 1939 Tidal’s has remained a constant on Blackwood’s High Street. Huw said: As a respected family business it’s important that our prices are honest and a true reflection of the value of the goods. The philosophy that underpins what we choose to sell is that our customers should buy once and buy well.