ALL signs are pointing towards independent businesses booming in Leamington town centre, according to a commercial property firm.
ehB Reeves has leased 15 new properties for a combined total of 89 years since lockdown eased last summer.
The Leamington-based firm has agreed leases with a mixture of start-up businesses and established firms in the town centre since July 2021, all of which are signed up on terms of between five and ten years.
Director Simon Hain said the spike in independent businesses opening was a welcome antidote to larger High Street brands turning their backs on town centres.
In Park Street, ehB Reeves secured a six-year lease for The Barber Shed, a new business opened by Nick Fairclough and Chris Tidmarsh last July 2021, along with five-year leases for MOU, opened by Carrie Hunt in September, and a new hair salon, Sophie Mander Hair.
Completing a run of new firms opening in Park Street is Henderson Hound, a shop dedicated to dogs set up by sisters Claire Watkins and Victoria Henderson, which opened on a five-year lease in September.
In Tavistock Street, Kashif Saleemi opened Regent Chiropractic on a five-year lease in October, with established business Artisan Floor Ltd moving to the same location in December on a ten-year lease.
In Warwick Street, dessert parlour Waf Waf Waffle has opened its doors along with growing Korean food franchise Grounded Kitchen and kitchen showroom 1909.
Hair and beauty business Nanny June’s by Lisa Little has opened in Regent Street, along with ladies’ outfitters Domino Style and the Leopard Spots Deli.
A new Scandinavian deli is set to follow in Regent Street, while completing the set is another new business in Clarendon Avenue, The Canine Pantry Ltd, which has opened on a five-year lease.
Mr Hain said: “The pandemic and the huge growth of online shopping has had a significant impact across the UK, with a marked reduction in High Street brands in many town and city centres.
“However, the independent sector has held up very well and these new companies are proof positive that ‘shop local’ is still the way to go for many towns and cities.
“It’s extremely heartening to see Leamington town centre flourishing with so many new businesses and we wish them all every success.”
