On Friday 10 March, Julie Marson MP visited Bishop’s Stortford town centre and stopped by and chatted with some of our inspirational business owners and managers to understand the current challenges they are facing and how our high street is faring.
We are very lucky, and it is thanks to many of these amazing businesses owners skills and management that they have survived to challenging covid years, and continue to weather the cost of living crisis storm. As we walked through the town it was great to be able to show Julie several new businesses who have opened up recently and how very few empty units we have.
Our first stop was Halo Beauty in Riverside Walk, and to meet owner Sharon. Having opened not long before covid started, Sharon has faced some tough times with the various restrictions placed on her during that period and the limited services she could offer. Sharon flew the flag for the hair and beauty industry and made Julie aware of what it’s been like and the current challenges they are facing with increasing bills and costs. However, despite all of this, Sharon continues to preserver and her salon is looking beautiful.
We then crossed over the road in South Street to visit Oliver Colman, new owner of South Street Pantry. Since Oliver took over in December, he has already put his stamp on the place and has lots more planned. The flooring is looking fabulous and new lights are due any day now. The menu has been tweaked and he’s looking forward to getting the garden open again for the summer soon.
Walking up through South Street and Potter Street, we then reached Jackson Square, taking in the new openings along the way such as Firat, Tooth Club and Pret. Michael Smith, Centre Manager of Jackson Square was able to update Julie about the arrival of a great new store next year, TK Maxx and the plans involved.
