Council opens business support hub as part of #LoveLiveLocal campaign

A pop up shop has opened to give independent businesses a spotlight this Christmas.

LoveLiveLocal@Rhyl is now open and offers on the ground support to local businesses, organised by the Council and delivery partners Antur Cymru.

The pop up shop which is based at Rhyl’s White Rose Shopping Centre, will act as a platform for start-up and small businesses wishing to trial a new venture on a low-risk basis.

Participant producers will receive a fully-funded diverse range of support from our Business Wales advisory team.  Support offered will include Business & Marketing Planning, Digital agility, HR and tendering support, to support small businesses from start-up to sustained growth.

As well as offering business support, the hub will also provide a new retail offer for Denbighshire and encourage visitors to the town.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “We are delighted to be opening the doors for this exciting new project which is focused on supporting businesses to trade in Denbighshire.

“The pop up shop will benefit Rhyl town centre by acting as a support hub for businesses, adding to the town centre retail offering and providing a temporary use for a vacant retail unit.

“Local businesses need all of our support this winter - together let’s support our towns by shopping local and using the hashtag #LoveLiveLocal to encourage others.”

Six businesses will be occupying the space including Royle Bakes, Del Creations, Blooming Brownies, Ivy Bank Honey Bees, Crafty Creations and Greener Beings and other businesses can still come forward.

Debbie Rowley, owner of Royle Bakes, said: “As a new business I’m very much looking forward to this opportunity with Antur Cymru.

“It allows me to showcase a range of bakes I offer to order and provides a space for new potential customers to try my products which should help to grow my business.”

Funding is provided by Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme to trial this new approach which is part of the Council’s #LoveLiveLocal campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses.

Delivery partners Antur Cymru will be managing the shop from Unit 16B White Rose Centre, Rhyl from November 18 until Christmas Eve 2021.

For more information about the campaign and to take advantage of the free marketing resources, visit - www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx