Wellington Market welcomes three new traders thanks to council funding
A trio of businesses have opened in Wellington Market thanks to Pride in Our High Street business trial start-up grants.
Fabulous Feet, Creative Kate Crafts and The Little TV Co are all aiming to test the waters with their business ventures on the market and have ambitions to become permanent additions in the town.
The Telford & Wrekin Council grants help small businesses to set up pop up stalls in markets or empty retail units across the borough in Wellington, Newport, Oakengates, Madeley, Dawley and Ironbridge.
Fabulous Feet has received £2,500 to support its launch and means qualified foot specialist Michelle Perks will return to the empty market stall after the previous foot specialist was forced to close a market stall due to ill health.
Michelle will use the funding to support a specialist chair and podiatry equipment and will meet the demand for a foot specialist in the town by offering a series of foot treatments.
Creative Kate Crafts is based in Wellington Market Annexe and has received a £1,000 grant to help with start-up costs.
Craft stall owner Kate Everitt produces a variety of handcrafted products but needs financial support to buy different materials to kick off her venture.
Meanwhile, The Little TV Co will offer a range of second hand TVs and other TV accessories for people on low incomes from its new market stall home.
Owner Matt Taverner has been awarded £2,120 to help cover the initial rent of the stall and also to fund stock, signage, fixtures and fittings and business cards and leaflets.
His business venture will support the drive to be more sustainable and encourage people to upcycle and make the best use of used products.
All three businesses are hoping their ventures will take off at Wellington Market which is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm and the Food Court is now open late until 7pm.
Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, said: “The trial start-up grants give businesses the opportunity to set up physical shops and for many it’s a perfect opportunity to see what running a business on the high street is all about.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support three separate businesses with their launch at Wellington Market – helping to ease some of the initial start-up costs that they all face.
“All these businesses are either bringing something new to the town or filling a service gap as well as empty market stalls.
“We wish them every success in Wellington as they aim to attract new customers and encourage people to shop local for their services.”
You can find out more about all the Pride in Our High Street grants here.
Photo: Fabulous Feet owner Michelle Perks with Cllr John Thompson (far left) and Cllr Graham Cook.
