Manifesto Shop Local Yeah, we know we bang on about this all year, but now that Christmas is over, our town centres need even more TLC. It’s not just about indies; if we want to keep Debenhams, M&S, WH Smiths and New Look in our town, we need to shop there. Use them or lose…
Each year, Small Business Saturday is celebrated throughout the UK on the first weekend in December. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick of the festive shopping season, showcasing the unique shops, producers and services that enhance our town centres. Throughout 2018, Bedford town centre has seen the launch of a flurry of new small businesses…
Sunday 16th September St Paul’s Square, Bedford / 11am – 4pm The last Bedford Flea of the season takes place on St Paul’s Square this Sunday 16 September – with added Affordable Art Market, circus busking and glorious sunshine! Traders old and new will have a selection of quirky collectables, fabulous furniture, pre-loved books, rural…
Our on-going celebration of Bedford’s makers, designers, artists and crafters takes us to St Cuthbert’s Arcade and the Made in Bedford initiative. So much more than a shop, Made in Bedford is run by Rachel Atkinson, Bedford’s best advocate of local producers. The space in St Cuthbert’s Arcade features an ever-changing array of products made…
Nicola Harris, the award-winning owner of George James Bridal on Bromham Road, is launching a new baby boutique this summer in Bedford’s Old Arcade. “I am a huge supporter of shopping with local indies and Bedford has some thriving, wonderful businesses,” said Nicola. “Since the birth of my daughter in January I’ve discovered there’s a…
26 St Cuthbert’s Street, Bedford MK40 3JG The excitement is mounting as 1 June sees the launch of St Cuthbert’s Arcade, a unique one-stop-shop of 18 independent small businesses all under one roof – and we can’t wait! Following extensive renovations and repairs, the building work is now complete and the new tenants are beginning…
8 -12 Bromham Road, Bedford MK40 2QA tel: 01234 353275 georgejamesbridal.com The multi-award winning boutique, George James Bridal is owned by Nicola Weeks and you would be hard-pressed to find someone better suited to their job. Nicola is quite honestly the friendliest and most empathetic person I have ever met; genuinely interested in other people…
We know it’s tempting to lounge on the sofa with a Toblerone and do all your Christmas shopping on Amazon while watching Gogglebox, but there really is nothing like actually going into shops, talking to the lovely shopkeepers and supporting local independent retailers. We’ve spent a lot of time in Bedford’s shops whilst compiling the…
From Goldings to All Ears, the Art Centre to the Picture Gallery, Bedford’s independent retailers are what set us apart from other towns. As town centres change, Bedford’s indies have shown incredible resilience in the face of austerity and adversity and they continue to thrive. This year has seen the launch of Maysons’ incredible new…
On Saturday 17th December, the Vintage Suit Hire Company took up residence at 24 Castle Lane – and it’s like they’ve always been there. The building (formerly Animal Studio and Gallery) has been transformed by VSHC owners, Tom and Jessica Answer into the perfect gentlemen’s outfitters (including a bar) and is a welcome addition to Bedford’s cultural quarter….