Retail feed - This is Business Staffordshire

Shop has licence to take on superstore despite residents' objections

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

AN OFF-LICENCE will be allowed to sell alcohol for an hour later at night despite the objections of residents.

Cross Heath News, in Liverpool Road, Cross Heath, has had its licence extended up to midnight, seven days a week, by Newcastle Borough Council.

More than 30 residents had signed a petition opposing the bid, saying it would lead to an increase in crime and disorder in the area.

But after none of the residents attended yesterday's licensing sub-committee meeting, the members decided to grant the extension.

Brian Wain of Trent Licensing, speaking on behalf of licensee Kunaratnam Kanesan, told the sub-committee that the shop needed the extended licence in order to compete with the new Sainsbury's store in Liverpool Road, due to open in November.

He said: "There have been no objections to this application from the authorities.

"We have consulted with the police, and they say they have had no incidents reported to them. If residents have problems, they need to report them to the police.

"The new Sainsbury's has already been granted these same hours. All we are asking for is a level playing field."

But residents living in nearby Kimberley Road, and Kimberley Grange sheltered accommodation scheme, said they already suffered from anti-social behaviour, and this would only get worse if the shop stayed open later.

They said groups of youths would often congregate outside the off-licence and intimidate elderly residents.

Mr Wain said if there were issues in the future, residents would be able to ask for the licence to be reviewed.

Councillor Ashley Howells, chairman of the sub-committee, said: "We are going to grant the variation to the premises licence.

"The reason for that decision is the lack of evidence provided by the residents of Kimberley Road."

Cross Heath News' previous licence allowed it to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm, from Monday to Sunday.

The new licence will mean this time will be extended from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.

Residents who opposed the extension said they were disappointed with the decision.

Betty Shafer, aged 81, who lives near the off-licence , said: "Groups of youths gather near the phone box, and you always see beers cans on the ground. It will only get worse now that they've got longer opening hours. But I suppose there's nothing we can do about it now."

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Asda awaits green light to claim Netto store in Leek

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

SUPERMARKET chain Asda is expected to press ahead with major expansion plans if it is given the go-ahead to take over a store.

The supermarket chain announced plans to buy Danish discount retailer Netto's UK stores for £778 million in May.

The deal is subject to the approval of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and a decision is expected within weeks.

Speculation that the Netto store in Springfield Road, Leek, is on Asda's wanted list was sparked by planning applications by the chain to refurbish the store.

The plans include a cash machine, refrigeration plant and air conditioning units.

Community leaders in the Moorlands are expecting the re-branding to go ahead because of the potential to expand on to neighbouring land.

But High Street businesses already fighting plans by Sainsbury's for an out-of-town development fear it could be another threat to trade.

A Save Our Leek campaign was launched by Richard Wilson, who is a cashier at the Bridge End garage, in Macclesfield Road, near the proposed Sainsbury's site.

Mr Wilson, aged 49, from Spring Gardens, Leek, said: "All we know is that Asda wants the Netto group and it is now with the OFT.

"If it goes ahead, it would be another out-of-town supermarket with the potential to expand on to adjacent industrial premises.

"We would have the same concerns as with the proposed Sainsbury's development.

"They are one of the big four who draw people like flies to a jam jar."

Leek Councillor Steve Povey said: "I am aware of the speculation and if it goes ahead it is likely to be a very busy store. The existing Netto store is very popular.

"I would not like it to be so big that it takes away life from the town centre."

Councillor Andrew Hart, cabinet member for regeneration on the district council, said the authority had not been notified of Asda's intentions for the Leek site.

He said: "We live in interesting times. The supermarket retailers are in turmoil at the moment.

"We have not yet got a clear indication of what the policy and strategy of Asda is.

"We will be strongly monitoring the situation to see whether the national trends affect Leek."

A spokesman for Asda refused to confirm the Leek store was on its target list.

She said: "We are still awaiting OFT approval. We intend to keep as many stores as possible as Asdas, but we cannot confirm specifics at the moment."

It is unclear what will happen to branches in locations that already have an Asda nearby, such as Tunstall and Wolstanton.

Netto also has stores in Fenton, Cheadle and Market Drayton, while Asda has supermarkets in Stafford and Crewe.

The Netto stores that are refurbished as Asdas will employ up to twice as many people and should be converted by the middle of next year.

The Government is expected to rule 30 of the shops should be sold to other chains to maintain competition.

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100 jobs up for grabs as supermarket prepares to open

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

MORE than 100 jobs will be created when a supermarket opens in two months' time.

Sainsbury's new store in Newcastle is almost complete and should be ready for its first customers by early November.

About 130 staff will transfer from the existing supermarket in Ryecroft, and the company is now in the process of filling a further 100 positions.

The store, in Liverpool Road, will be twice the size of the old one.

Joanne Jones, human resources manager at the store, said: "The vacancies are across all areas of the store, such as the counters.

"So far, we've recruited around 60 people, with 40 already undergoing training at other stores in the area."

Once the store is open, Sainsbury's will be looking to recruit a further 50 temporary staff to help it cope with the Christmas rush.

One of the store's new arrivals is store manager Anthony Clegg, pictured below.

Mr Clegg has worked for Sainsbury's since 1987, and since then has managed six stores, including most recently the company's supermarket in Warrington.

He said: "The new store here is going to be fantastic. It will be completely different to the old store, with a much better offer to the customer."

Mr Clegg was joined by members and officers from Newcastle Borough Council on a tour of the site yesterday.

Newcastle College vacated the site late last year after transferring to its new campus in Knutton Lane.

The work has led to complaints from nearby residents, such as dust covering their properties.

Cross Heath ward councillor John Williams was told by Sainsbury's and its contractors yesterday that they would look at restitution for these issues once the scheme was nearing completion.

The council has announced its intention to buy the old Sainsbury's site once the new store is up and running.

Cabinet members hope this will safeguard the regeneration of the area.

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Eddie's business is more than a game

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

A FORMER nightclub manager is tapping into the city's passion for gaming to expand his business.

Eddie Skelson, who used to run The Place, in Hanley, set up Guys That Game around two years ago online.

Earlier this year, he opened a shop in Fenton to provide customers with space to play in tournaments, and the store has proved such a success he is now planning to move to bigger premises.

Guys That Game, in City Road, sells accessories for cult games such as World Of Warcraft, Warhammer and Yu-Gi-Oh as well as hosting tournaments and tabletop 'battles'.

Eddie, aged 43, of Eaton Park, said: "I've done everything in my time, from working as a doorman to running The Place, but I've always had a passion for games.

"I started off online just selling World Of Warcraft T-shirts.

"I imported the first batch from America and I'd sold them all before they'd even arrived, so I thought there must be a market there.

"I set up a little stall on Hanley Market for just under a year and people were always asking me, 'where can we play?'

"I opened the shop in March and now it's got so popular we're just about to move next door but one to bigger premises.

"The gamers pay a fee to take part in the tournaments, which goes into the prize pot, and we've also got gaming tables that can be booked out. Part of the reason for the move is so we can fit more in."

Guys That Game is open Wednesdays to Sundays from noon to late – depending on how long the tournaments run on for.

Eddie, aged 43, said: "I've been surprised by how huge gaming is in Stoke-on-Trent – I think it's maybe having a couple of universities in close proximity.

"I get everything from students to policemen and accountants, mainly from the 18-plus age range."

He added: "In the shop, we mostly get people from Stoke-on-Trent but it is spreading into Staffordshire because I think we've got a good reputation and we know our stuff.

"The website has got customers all over the world, particularly in Europe."

Eddie, a father-of-two, said gaming does not have to be an anti-social activity.

He said: "Now I've got kids, I encourage them to get involved.

"I do think it can help parents get more involved with their kids – so many parents I know say all they see of their kids is the back of their heads as they're on the computer, but with the board games and the card games, you have to communicate face to face.

"It's not about sitting in front of a computer – it can be a good family activity."

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Leading fashion retailer confirms move to vacant Woolworths site

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:20:00 GMT

A PROMINENT store in the centre of Sutton – which has remained vacant for more than 18 months – is to be taken over by a leading fashion retailer.

The former Woolworths site in The Parade, closed since December 2008, is to be divided into three new outlets, with the largest to be occupied by H&M.

Plans submitted to Birmingham City Council's planning committee last month confirm The Mall shopping centre's owner, Capital and Regional Plc, is intending to sub-divide the ground floor of the site into a medium-sized unit opening onto The Parade; a kiosk opening onto The Mall shopping centre side; and the remainder, including the first floor and basement, being taken over by H&M.

A spokesperson for H&M said: "We can confirm that we have just signed the lease to take over the former Woolworths location in Sutton Coldfield.

"We are excited to confirm that we will be moving from our existing location [in The Mall] to the larger new store next year."

The front of the new shops is to be extended, in line with neighbouring outlets, creating an additional 22 square metres of retail space.

Sutton Coldfield Andrew Mitchell MP welcomed the news that the former Woolworths site is to be brought back into use.

"This is a significant vote of confidence in the retail future of Sutton Coldfield and, as the economy recovers, I hope that progress in the town centre will continue.

"This is a welcome start," he added.

A spokesperson for The Mall said they were unable to comment on the proposed changes at the former Woolworths site at this stage.

Centre full as Pound Shop opens doors

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:00 GMT

A NEW discount store is to open in a busy town centre shopping centre.

The Pound Shop is set to move into the former video store in The Smithfield Centre, in Haywood Street, Leek.

Jonathan Beever, of Wilmslow-based Dean Property which owns the complex, said he was pleased to have all the units full.

He said: "We leased the shop last week. We have spent money on refurbishing it.

"There has been a lot of interest in the unit since the refurbishment work was completed.

"We are very pleased. There is a lot of footfall from the centre to Haywood Street and it has given the new owners an opportunity."

The Pound Shop is one of several new traders which have opened in the centre recently.

Hair Design moved to bigger premises in the precinct after more than 40 years based in Russell Street a few months ago.

And the adjoining property is to be taken over by Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley as her new constituency office within the next few weeks.

Mr Beever said: "The centre is looking good. It is situated on a very busy main road so when all the shops are full it will give visitors a good first impression."

Councillor Andrew Hart, portfolio holder for regeneration on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said it was excellent news the Smithfield Centre would soon be full.

Mr Hart said: "This is good news and shows that Leek has held its own in the difficult financial climate we have faced."

Gary sets up shop after web success

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

AN ONLINE entrepreneur who set up his business after suffering two heart attacks has launched his first shop to help meet demand.

Gary Aston has opened Astons of Longton on the town's Market Street to sell a wide range of products including guitars, art materials, craft equipment and hobby items.

The 57-year-old has been running his various online businesses from home in Longton for the past six years, but needed to move to new premises after they outgrew his specially-built storage unit.

And Gary decided to use the move as an opportunity to open the shop.

He said: "I've been trading online for a long time and over the years, people have been saying: 'Have you got a shop we can come to?'

"We've got a great range of products and a lot of people have said they need to see them, but we couldn't do it when we were based at home.

"Now the business has got too big to trade from home."

Gary said he has had his eye on his new premises for a while.

He said: "It used to be Broughs the florist. I'd been looking at it as I walked past and thinking I'd love to own that – it's got a lovely double aspect."

He added: "Because we've got a successful internet business, it's as much a place to operate from – the shop side is an added bonus."

Gary currently runs the business on his own with support from wife Cheryl and sister-in-law Gaynor, but is hoping the shop will create some extra jobs.

He first became involved in online retailing after being forced to retire from Rists Wire and Cables in Newcastle due to ill health.

He said: "I was a production service manager at Rists but in 1998 I had two heart attacks, which forced me to retire.

"I spent a couple of years recovering and getting well but I'm not the type of person who can just sit around.

"I was on incapacity benefit for a short period and did a back to work scheme which really helped, and I also did a three-day course with Business Link which was fabulous."

Gary's online businesses now include Terrascenic, which sells hobby and craft materials, Aston Guitars, CompuShade, which supplies laptop shields, and Aston Quick Print, which prints promotional material such as brochures, flyers and business cards.

Gary said: "I taught myself web design and started a little business on eBay and it really took off from there.

"My core products were hobby and craft items and once that got to a reasonable turnover, I looked to my passion for music.

"I contacted a big company but they told me they wouldn't deal with me unless I had a bricks and mortar shop, so I developed my own guitar brand and had it imported direct from China."

He added: "The websites sell all over the UK, Europe and worldwide. There aren't many countries we haven't sold to now, and we import a lot of stuff from China, Canada, Taiwan and the U.S. For a small business, we do quite a bit globally."

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Precinct's Mr Big opens new store amid uncertainty at shopping precinct

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

THE owner of one of the last stores in Hanley's dilapidated East West shopping precinct has been forced to open a new shop because of uncertainty over the future of the site.

Charles Kofler, who has run Mr Big for 21 years, is opening up the Big and Tall Menswear store in Town Road, Hanley.

Mr Kofler said because all other shops, except for City Centre Sofas, have moved out of the precinct, Mr Big has had to rely on existing customers travelling to the store.

While the men's clothing store is hidden away in the East Precinct and has suffered a drop in footfall since other shops closed, the new store is well positioned, close to The Potteries Shopping Centre car park.

It is understood the East Precinct store is tied to a lease which has four years to run.

Mr Kofler said: "We have not decided what to do with Mr Big, because I have not heard what is happening with the precinct.

"We decided to open a new, more user-friendly shop for our customers, and that will open in November.

"As far as the other shop is concerned, a lot depends on the East West Precinct.

"If they knock it down we'll have to move."

Mark Jones, the manager at Mr Big, said: "We're very excited about the new store. It's long overdue.

"This is a rundown area and it will be great to have a nice, new shop for our loyal customers who have really supported us.

"The new shop is also bigger so we'll be able to stock more."

Plans for the £360 million East West Centre were approved in February last year.

The centre, which will be built on the site of Hanley's existing bus station, will include a department store, cinema, hotel and range of shops, restaurants and cafés.

Also included in the deal is a the new city centre bus station, which is expected to cost up to £15 million.

Realis Estates, which will build the centre, has pledged £4.5 million towards the bus station, with the remaining funding expected from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and bodies such as development agency Advantage West Midlands.

A Realis spokesman said it was working on designs of the new bus station with Grimshaw Architects.

Because the new East West Centre will be built over the existing bus station, work cannot start until the replacement has been completed.

Work to build the new bus station is set to start in March.

The developer is now in talks to bring in an anchor retailer, a well-established brand, which would provide smaller retailers with confidence the centre would attract customers.

The spokesman said: "We are currently in talks with anchor retailers for the East West Centre. It is too early to begin discussions with other retailers.

"We will be in touch with Mr Big to discuss options further down the line."

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Clothing store to fill empty shop

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

A FASHION retail store is to open at a site left empty when homeware chain Au Naturale went into administration earlier this year.

Peacocks will open its doors on the Princess Alice Retail Park, in Sutton, this October, creating the equivalent of 10 full-time jobs.

Au Naturale and sister company Ethel Austin closed more than 200 stores in February and March, including the New Oscott outlet, as the recession took hold.

The value clothing chain plans to open seven days a week with late night opening on Thursdays.

Stoke fans fashion arty clothing range

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

CLOTHING inspired by the Potteries and football culture is on sale at a new shop opened up by two Stoke City fans.

Ian Dyer and Darren Smallwood opened up Neckenders in Longton yesterday and believe they are offering something new to fashion-conscious football fans.

The business, based above the Pepper Kiln gift shop in The Strand, offers a range of hoodies, T-shirts, and other Stoke City-themed items.

The artwork has been created by Darren while the poetry on the rear of some of the tops is the work of Ian.

Darren, aged 36, from Knypersley, is well known among City supporters for his art based on club stars past and present, whereas Ian's Potters-inspired poems have made him a cult figure among fans.

Ian, aged 46, from Fenton, said: "I wanted somewhere where I could showcase my poetry and I got chatting with Jill Baxendale who runs the Pepper Kiln while we were watching Stoke.

"I contacted Darren who I had met at TheArtBay in Fenton and I sold the idea to him."

Darren said: "We wanted to do something where we included both the poetry and the art work.

"We don't think there is anything like the clothes we sell in the city, it's really alternative stuff."

The designs range from images born from terrace culture to sketches of the Britannia Stadium, Stanley Matthews, and Rory Delap.

For the duo the venture represents a new chapter in their lives after both men overcame life-threatening illnesses.

Darren has had two kidney transplants since he was 17, while Ian was struck down by Legionnaires' disease and later developed a blood clot on the lung.

Ian said: "I remember the doctor telling me there was a 50 per cent chance I wouldn't wake up so I didn't go to sleep.

"I was a painter and decorator, but I can't be around dust anymore so this is great."

Darren added: "Something like this is my perfect job."

It took around two months to revamp the shop which had previously been a stock room for the Pepper Kiln.

Pepper Kiln owner Jill Baxendale, aged 35, from Blurton, said: "My partner Ian Preston came up with the name 'Neckenders' which is a term for people living in the South of the city.

"We find couples come in to the gift shop and the fellas always go upstairs."

Darren's partner Louise, aged 31, said: "I'm made up for him, they are both really enjoying it."

Stoke City fan Simon Minor, aged 33, from Stoke, visited the shop on its opening.

He said: "It's a football fans' dream, it's fantastic.

"The clothing with the Victoria Ground on is great."

Neckenders will open from 9am until about 4.30pm on Longton's market days – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

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Property costs still uncertain

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

THE commercial property market is still uncertain in North Staffordshire and South Cheshire, according to a report.

North Staffordshire-based KVM Research analysed advertised property prices and rental costs for 2009 and the first half of 2010.

From July 2009 to July 2010, rents increased by more than 70 per cent from an average of £42 to £72 per square metre a year – mainly because of price hikes in the office and retail space market.

Charges for industrial and warehouse sites varied little at an average of just over £30.

The advertised price of commercial premises for sale remained stable for most of 2009 at an average of around £730 per square metre.

By February this year the average advertised price of commercial premises for sale was £1,142, but by July this had fallen back to about £700.

The advertised price for industrial and warehouse sites was just over £400 per square metre in July, said KVM, while office and retail premise costs fell to under £900.

KVM believes the falls could be down to uncertainty during and following the General Election.

Owner will reopen shop her mum ran

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

A BUSINESSWOMAN is relaunching the fashion boutique her mother ran for almost 30 years.

Marianne Price set up Marianne Exclusive Fashion in Congleton. But the outlet closed in February after she died of breast cancer.

Now Marianne's daughter Vesna Price is reopening the Antrobus Street women's shop as The Address.

The move is partly in memory of her mother, who came to the UK when she was aged 10 as her family escaped unrest in what was then Yugoslavia.

And Vesna believes she has inherited qualities from her mother that will help her make the venture a success.

The 40-year-old, from Biddulph, said: "I've opened it because I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it and I feel I should carry on something for my mum. She worked so hard all her life.

"I was often hanging round the shop and helping out and when I was younger I worked on Saturdays to pay my board.

"I didn't realise how much I'd picked up over the years, going on buying trips and doing the ironing and things.

"When I came to do it myself I suddenly realised I could.

"Dealing with the buyers and public has been great and the feedback has been very good.

"I have met a lot of my mum's friends and business contacts and they say I am definitely my mother's daughter.

"I'm a bit of a workaholic like she was and I don't know when to switch off."

Vesna's family came to England in 1954, before settling in Hanley.

Although she spent time in the shop, Vesna built a career working all over the world for competition horse-drawn carriage driving teams.

Now she wants to develop The Address into an outlet with a slightly younger feel to it than her mother's boutique.

News of the reopening will be welcomed in a town that has a significant proportion of empty retail premises.

Civic leaders believe a good mix of national brands and independent shops such as The Address will help bring more visitors to Congleton.

Brian Hogan, town clerk, said: "There have been concerns recently about the number of empty shops in the town, and at the moment the vacancy rate is about 15 per cent.

"The fact that this shop is reopening is fantastic news and hopefully shows that a number of retailers have a lot of confidence in Congleton."

The Address opens on September 2.

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£1 store eyes development

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

PROFITS at budget retail chain Poundland rose 81 per cent in the year to March 28.

Over the same period, the business opened 56 stores, taking the total to 261, and now plans to open at least 50 more creating up to 2,000 jobs.

The Willenhall company – which sells everything for £1 – has outlets in Hanley, Newcastle and Stafford.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said: "Market research shows the UK will take 800 Poundland stores, so we have several years of growing.

"We get an immediate response when we open a store, and by taking a lower margin we build on value rather than profit."

The company, owned by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, sells health and beauty, food, and houshehold products.

Retailers have quiet summer

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

CONSUMER confidence is still weak, according to Staffordshire business leaders.

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics showed sales volumes including petrol and diesel up 1.1 per cent in July.

Excluding fuel, retail sales rose 0.9 per cent on the month and 2.4 percent on the year.

Caroline Tyrer, head of Staffordshire at Barclays Corporate, said: "Despite a strong month for sales volumes, retail sales remain broadly unchanged compared to the end of last year.

"Consumer confidence has weakened in recent months and this dip in confidence continues to weigh on high street sales figures.

"I can't remember a summer when retailers have been so quiet."

Stoke Potter cues up new cafe venture

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

SNOOKER star Dave Harold is hoping to give Stoke a cafe culture by opening a coffee bar with his brother.

Dave and Mick Harold have been working for 16 months on the £100,000 business venture, named after Mick's wife Apple, who will be the cafe's chef.

Dave, aged 43, of Stoke, said: "Whenever I come into Stoke I can't get a proper coffee. There are lots of places in Hanley and Newcastle, like Toffs and Costa Coffee, but nowhere like that in Stoke.

"We want to give people what they are telling us they want. Coffee houses are very popular. People have got a taste for proper coffee.

"We will also be running a breakfast menu and sandwiches and there will be a few Thai snacks. Apple is Thai and she is a brilliant cook.

"We've gone for quite a chilled out atmosphere. We want it to be somewhere people can relax and enjoy a coffee.

"We've got a full licence to serve alcohol, so if people want a glass of wine or a beer we can cater for that too."

The cafe, on Hill Street, Stoke, is due to open within the next couple of weeks. Dave and Mick are currently in the process of recruiting about six part-time staff.

As well as specialist coffees such as cappuccino, espresso, mocha, latte and macchiato; Apple will sell oatcakes, sandwiches, paninis, and Thai snacks like fish cakes, satay chicken and spring rolls.

Dave added: "It used to be a barbers and we have pretty much knocked it down and rebuilt it.

"The venture is bringing something new into Stoke. The town needs something, it is dying a death.

"We are hoping that the Spode site gets redeveloped. That would give the town a boost."

Mick, aged 46, of Stoke, said: "We've probably spent about £70,000 on the building and about £100,000 in total.

"It's been a lot of hard work."

Dave and Mick have also bought the currently vacant building next door, a former cafe.

Ultimately, they plan to apply for planning permission to open it as a Thai restaurant. It will operate in conjunction with the cafe, opening during evenings when the coffee house is closed.

Apple, aged 44, said: "I'm looking forward to getting started.

"I have always cooked. Before I came to Britain I worked in Munich, in Germany, for five years as a chef."

Dave, formerly one of the top 16 snooker players in the world, will spend some of his time between practising and tournaments serving customers at Apple.

His next target is to qualify for an international tournament in China.

Model couple on track for success

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

A MODEL railway shop in Stoke-on-Trent is supplying enthusiasts all over the world.

The Hobby Goblin, in Burslem, is picking up more orders through its website, after expanding its services to cater for overseas customers.

Owner Steve Faulder, who runs the business with wife Jane, said: "We've actually just opened up our website to overseas orders and the first one we got was from Australia, which was fantastic."

Steve, aged 43, said the firm's outlet, in Queen Street, Burslem, is drawing in customers from all over Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

He and Jane, aged 37, pictured below, have just unveiled a new railway layout at the shop, with scenic materials donated by Bachmann, the world's biggest model railway manufacturer. And they have commissioned UK manufacturer Dapol to make a limited edition run of wagons emblazoned with 'Stoke-on-Trent' to celebrate the centenary of the city's federation.

Steve said: "This is our first commission and we wanted to make sure it was something that hadn't been done before and that the wagons said Stoke-on-Trent in big, bold letters.

"We're hoping they'll be popular locally and we also thought they might be of interest to people who collect things generally to do with the Potteries."

Just 150 of the wagons have been made and the Faulders have already sold more than a third through pre-orders.

The wagons, which cost £9.80, also feature the name Stirrup & Pye – the company that once owned Adderley Green and Bignall End collieries.

The Hobby Goblin moved into its current base just over a year ago, after outgrowing its former home at Jane's parents' lighting shop in Hamil Road.

Steve said the new layout is part of the couple's aim to give their customers the best possible experience, and to attract visitors who might not head to Burslem otherwise.

Steve, of Cheddleton, said: "There's no other model railway shop in Stoke-on-Trent and we wanted to give the city the best one we possibly can.

"We think about what we would want as customers and with the new layout, people can come in and see how it all works."

Steve hopes the shop will draw more visitors into Stoke-on-Trent.

"We do get people from quite a long way out.

"It's always wonderful to bring people in, because it allows them to see what else there is in the area, especially now things are developing in Burslem.

"A lot of people come in and check us out and then come back, which can only be good for the regeneration of Burslem.

"The online service is important to us, but we want Stoke-on-Trent customers to be proud of the shop and tell people about it."

Steve, a former head of science at Clough Hall Technology School in Kidsgrove, said the way the model railway industry has developed has helped the shop thrive, despite the economic downturn.

Staff can fit sound and lights to locomotives and also sell Scalextric stock, Airfix kits and Expo drills and tools.

Steve said: "In the past it was seen as a bit of a toy market in this country and because it was aimed at kids, it wasn't always top-quality stuff.

"In the U.S. it's massive – you have all these captains of industry taking a break from conferences and flying back to their mansions to show off their huge layouts.

"In the last five years it's really started to take off over here, so it can be as sophisticated or as simple as you want."

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Link road boost for city centre drivers

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

Drivers will soon be able to use a new link road as a £50 million city centre supermarket moves a step closer to completion.

Tesco is hoping to unveil the new Hanley store by November as work continues on the site off Clough Street.

And the retail giant has revealed the Southern Link Road, connecting Clough Street to Broad Street, will open from August 23. Traffic in the area is now subject to temporary lights.

Tesco spokesman Tony Fletcher said: "It will relieve some of the traffic. It will remain under traffic control, but we next hope to open it up further."

The new store – which could create up to 100 jobs – will signal the end of the Tesco in New Hall Street.

Mr Fletcher added: "Most of the earth moving is now complete and the steel frames are completed.

"There have been a few little problems but everything is going well. We will begin work on the petrol station next."

Picture: Phil Radcliffe

Firm pictures way to expand project

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

ART from a Stoke-on-Trent gallery could be gracing the walls of businesses all over the country if a new project takes off.

Directors at Theartbay, in Fenton, say their corporate art scheme can help inspire workforces and impress clients for a minimal cost.

The gallery provides fine art prints sandwiched between Perspex panels, which can be replaced with new pictures when the business chooses.

And if a visitor or member of staff decides to buy a picture, a percentage goes to the company, which can then use it to buy a replacement.

The scheme has already proved a success at several hospitals nationwide, including the University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS).

Now Alan and Cheryl Gerrard, who run Theartbay, are targeting UK businesses.

The gallery has provided prints for the university hospital's £30 million cancer centre and has also landed a deal with a mental health unit in Harrow.

Alan, pictured below, said: "The initial installation for a one-metre square print in Perspex costs £250, then each replacement print is £50.

"We go out and measure everything up, then create a simulation using the chosen art so the client can see exactly what it will look like.

He added: "We've got prints from 70 artists from all over the UK.

"We pay them a royalty and they benefit because it's like a free exhibition."

Some prints have been placed in the UHNS outpatients department, while others are on the cancer wards.

Matron Sue Malbon, pictured left, said: "In outpatients it's very modern art, but on the wards it's quite traditional scenes from the Potteries."

Alan said the gallery is now expanding the scheme.

He said: "If a visitor or a member of staff wants to buy a print, they can do it through the hospital.

"A percentage of the payment goes back into their charitable fund, which they can then use to buy more art."

Alan is hoping it will prove equally popular with businesses.

He said: "We're approaching interior designers, architects and banks and we're looking to places like London, Liverpool and Manchester."

Is your business branching out? Email us at businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk

Designer adds to list of 'top end' clients

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

BETLEY textile specialist Jan Constantine has landed two licensing deals that will see her designs feature on products in high streets up and down the country.

The designer has signed contracts with high-quality stationery firm Blueprint and Penny Kennedy, which specialises in top-end gift wrapping.

Jan's own products, which feature her trademark heart, love and Union Jack motifs, are already on sale in top UK department stores including Selfridges and Harrods.

Sentinel Business reported earlier this year that she had won orders to supply festive items to the exclusive New York store Bergdorf Goodman.

And she says the new licensing deals can help her grow the company further.

She said: "There is only so much I can produce myself, so this takes it to the next stage.

"Other licensees have been knocking on my door, so we're growing all the time, which is brilliant.

"We're in talks with a couple of other firms and also an American company."

Jan first got involved with licensing with Middleport ceramic designer William Edwards, who has produced a range of pottery featuring her designs, and she also works with greetings card business Firebrand.

Jan said: "The china worked incredibly well and it's fantastic to see my designs on things I never would have imagined.

"It helps you become a household name, which is really exciting.

"I look to big names of the calibre of Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater, who do similar deals."

Sentinel Business reported in January that Jan had been chosen by Olympic Games organisers to produce a range of official products for London 2012.

And she admits she is choosy about which companies she gets involved with.

She said: "They have to be top-end.

"I do get a lot of people asking and sometimes, sadly, I have to say I can't do it.

"I've got a couple of guys who run the licensing campaign for me and assess whether they are the right companies to work with."

Blueprint produces a range of licensed products for big brands including Barbie, Hello Kitty and Hanley pottery firm Emma Bridgewater.

It is due to launch a selected range of Jan Constantine items exclusively at department store John Lewis in January.

The full range will be unveiled at the Spring Fair in Birmingham in February. The Penny Kennedy gift wrap collaboration will also be launched at the Spring Fair.

Jan has also teamed up with iconic British drinks brand Pimm's to create limited edition jug sets.

The set, which costs £49.99, includes a glass pitcher with four glasses etched with a 'Proud To Be British' emblem designed by Jan.

She said: "There is a deep sense of Britishness in all of my designs, which is why I am delighted to have teamed up with Pimm's to design these fabulous jug sets."

Pimm's spokesman Alex Smith said: "With Pimm's being the quintessential summer drink, these limited edition jug sets provide a stylish and sociable way for friends to enjoy a glass at barbecues and other summer get-togethers."

Has your business joined forces with another firm? Email us at businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk

Stars sing praises of clothes supplier

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:20:00 GMT

POP stars and members of a Formula 1 racing team have been supplied with clothing by a South Cheshire firm.

The Outdoors Company, based in Radway Green, near Alsager, has provided outfits for the crews working on tours for Pink, Take That and Franz Ferdinand.

It has also supplied clothes for the Williams Formula 1 team.

And the firm is currently working on an order from Great Britain's rowing team, which won six medals at the 2008 Olympics.

Paul Morley-Smith, who set up The Outdoors Company in 2008 with co-director Mark Dix, said: "Funnily enough, we've had orders from quite a few high-profile pop stars.

"Either the star or the tour manager likes to give the crew something as a memento.

"In the last year we've done 100 North Face jackets for Pink, and 300 for Take That when they finished their tour last year.

"After we did Take That we found we got lots of inquiries.

"It tends to be the merchandising companies that get in touch with us and a lot of them work with more than one band, so it spreads.

"They tend to be fairly large orders – in the hundreds – and we've got an in-house embroidery team who put all the branding and logos on."

The firm, which employs seven people, has also won orders from Franz Ferdinand, Crowded House and New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.

Sentinel Business reported last year that The Outdoors Company had supplied clothing for the celebrity team that climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief.

Much of the gear the firm supplies comes from adventure clothing specialist North Face, which the company has a well-established relationship with.

It was via North Face that The Outdoors Company won an order from the Williams Formula 1 team.

Mr Morley-Smith said: "They wanted 80 pairs of cross trainers for the Monaco Grand Prix.

"We got the order on the Tuesday and they needed it to be with them in Monaco on the Friday, and all the gear was with North Face in Italy.

"They were pleased we were able to sort it out so quickly, and now we're supplying them with 500 pairs for the whole team for next year."

The Outdoors Company is also supplying bags, waterproof jackets and fleeces for the Great Britain rowing team and a batch of 50 rucksacks for the Commonwealth Games Federation, which will oversee the event in Delhi in October.

The firm says its diverse range of clients is helping it to thrive.

One of its biggest customers is whisky-maker Glenfiddich, which sells branded jackets in its distillery shops, and its non-corporate arm supplies camping equipment for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

The company currently employs five people at Radway Green Business Centre and two off-site embroiderers, and it is looking to recruit another salesperson.

Has your business landed a lucrative deal? Email us at businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk