Support Denbighshire traders this winter and #lovelivelocal

Denbighshire residents are being urged to support local traders this winter.

A campaign highlighting the wealth of businesses, goods and services available in Denbighshire is being launched as the county appeals for people to shop and buy local this winter.

The campaign is an extension of the #lovelivelocal initiative, with a push to encourage people to spend their money in the county, to encourage businesses to showcase their products or services on social media and to entice old and new customers to town centres.

As well as supporting businesses and the local economy the campaign aims to encourage sustainable shopping by buying local produce and reducing long car journeys.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “The purpose of this campaign is to remind people of the wonderful businesses we have in Denbighshire, to shop and use local services wherever possible to keep the Denbighshire economy thriving and lower our carbon footprint.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for businesses and we have been providing support to traders through Welsh Government funding and our Economic and Businesses Development team.

“We think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message to our residents and remind everyone there are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services.

“A walk into our towns and villages will reveal some hidden gems. We want to help businesses showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what is on offer.

“Give Denbighshire businesses a go and #lovelivelocal.”

As part of the campaign the Council is sharing social media assets with traders and encouraging them to shout about their businesses online.

Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #lovelivelocal too.

You can get involved by visiting http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx

Free after three parking returns for the festive period

The Council’s festive free parking scheme is returning between November 21 and December 31.

To encourage more people to use their local high street for shopping in the run up to Christmas and New Year, free parking will be available in Council-run town centre car parks from 3pm every day.

The Free After Three initiative will be available in the following car parks:

• Corwen: Green Lane
• Denbigh: Multi-Storey; Crown Lane; Factory Ward; Post Office Lane
• Llangollen: Hall Street; Market Street; Mill Street
• Prestatyn: Lower High Street; Railway station
• Rhuddlan: Parliament Street
• Rhyl: Central; Morley Road; Queen Street; Sky Tower; West Kinmel Street, Rhyl Railway; Rhyl Library (disabled bays only)
• Ruthin: Crispin Yard; Dog Lane; Park Road; Rhos Street; St Peter's Square; Troed y Rhiw

Morfa Hall private car park, Rhyl, is not included in the initiative.

As well as the Free After Three scheme, the Council continues to offer two hours free parking at any time during the day until December 31 at the following car parks Vale Street, Denbigh; East Street Llangollen; King’s Avenue, Prestatyn; Market Street, Ruthin; Bowling Green, St Asaph and Town Hall Car Park, Rhyl.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said, said: “The Free After Three parking initiative has been established now for a number of years and complements our #LoveLiveLocal campaign to encourage more people to use our high streets for their festive shopping. We understand it has been a difficult time for businesses and we are encouraging shoppers to use this opportunity. There are a wealth of independent shops and businesses county-wide that offer a wide range of goods and services.

“We also want to remind residents of the two hour free parking scheme we introduced in the summer to help businesses struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. With our two free parking initiatives, we hope more people will come into our towns to see what they have to offer. I’m sure they won’t be disappointed.”

Stop to shop and support your local town. #LoveLiveLocal

SUP Lass Paddle Adventures - Loggerheads

Give the gift of an experience this Christmas

An ‘experience voucher’ could be the perfect gift for a loved one who has everything this Christmas.

Denbighshire has a wealth of adventure sports and outdoor activities on offer and this winter you can treat someone to a present with a difference or get them kitted out with all the equipment they need for the new year.

Caroline Dawson, who set up SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, an accredited Water Skills Academy SUP school based in Loggerheads, offers stand-up paddle board tuition, river adventures, coastal trips and safety sessions.

She also paddles competitively and recently came second in the GB SUP Series Great Glen Challenge in Scotland.

Caroline said: “My passion is adventure and I like to offer customers more than just a basic lesson, I often serve up hot chocolate or a mug of soup on the water's edge. To see people attend sessions has been wonderful, especially after the pandemic, seeing paddlers laughing and having fun again was fantastic.”

Paddle boarding involves participants using a paddle while standing or kneeling on a paddle board.

Caroline said: “Paddle boarding has grown hugely over the last 12 months, it is really popular. Denbighshire is a really good area for adventure sports, they are popular with locals and visitors and there are so many businesses offering a wide range of adventure sports.

“It is very important to support local businesses and to shop local this Christmas, it helps support the economy in Denbighshire and there is so much on offer.”

She added: “This is the perfect time of the year to get a loved one who has everything something different. You can’t put a price on a memory with a loved one, a new experience or learning a new skill. It is something special and magical. Like a lot of adventure businesses we sell vouchers on our website and are able to customise them to fit any of our sessions.”

Caroline and Llangollen’s ProAdventure are amongst a number of independent businesses supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by the Council to encourage more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

ProAdventure opened in 1991 and is a specialist outdoor adventure retailer selling everything from tipi tents, bush-craft equipment, outdoor clothing and equipment for cooking and living comfortably in the great outdoors.

Peter Carol runs the business with his wife Lesley who is a trained mountain leader, a qualified canoe river leader and a Nordic walking coach.

Peter, who has more than 30 years of experience of working in outdoor adventure training and holidays, said: “Adventure sports are very popular in Denbighshire and we are seeing it grow. There is also a wealth of beautiful countryside for people to explore.

“Now is a great time to get kitted out for the new year, or for those who are experienced in the outdoors you can repair, wash or reproof kit with the supplies we carry in the shop. The products we sell reflect our love of walking and camping, Scandinavian culture and back garden living.

“We also make careful buying choices while taking account of the environmental impact products make and this includes choices on what we sell and who we buy it from, sourcing renewable electricity and using LED lighting throughout the store.

“We have a very sportive business community here in Llangollen and we would encourage shoppers to look at their local high streets this Christmas and to think outside the box when looking for presents.”

Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #LoveLiveLocal too.

You can get involved by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx

Tearoom pours support for local businesses

A Denbighshire establishment is brewing up the perfect mix of Welsh foody delights and artisan gifts with a touch of local support and sustainability

Jackie Feak, Administration & Business Officer for the Translators’ Tearoom at St Asaph Cathedral says the establishment works hard to source and support local produce alongside caring for the environment with the service they provide.

The Translators’ Tearoom nestled in the grounds of the Cathedral, opened for the first time in May 2018 and has quickly become a staple venue of choice for local residents and visitors due to the strong commitment to local sustainability.

The St Asaph establishment is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

Customers stepping through the tearoom doors will be tempted by the selection of light lunches, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks, the majority on the menu is made fresh on site.

Jackie explained: “All our cakes, soups and sandwiches are home-made, we are regularly told how good the scones are! We try to source as much as we can locally and ethically. We are set in the cathedral grounds so the view from the windows is unique.

The Translators’ Tearoom sources a number of local Denbighshire produce. Yoghurts on sale are from Llaeth y Llan, Chilly Cow ice cream is stocked and ham provided from Daniel Jones Butchers in St Aasaph.

Bread comes from the Tan Lan Bakery, just across the way in Conwy along with supplies from Heartland Coffee and crisps and popcorn are sourced from Jones o Gymru at Pwllheli.

And it’s not just sourced food from the county and North Wales producers, the Translators Tearoom is also brewing extra support for artisans in the region with the creation of an extended shop area on site.

Jackie said: “We have a small shop which we’re hoping to increase before Christmas. We already have St Asaph Cathedral ‘merchandise’ including keyrings and fridge magnets made by Bryn Jones from Betws y Coed, Welsh cards by Nansi Nudd, other cards by local photographer Chris Wilkinson (Special Sightings) from Prestatyn, a range of Cathedral branded jams, chutneys by Welsh Lady Preserves, and art from Miles from the Myrtle House gallery at the bottom of the city.”

“We are a member of the Clwydian Range Tourism Group (CRTG) and are trying to work to supply even more local produce than we already do – when we get our new shop area we’ll be looking for new suppliers.”

The Translators’ Tearoom is looking ahead to a future sustainability project thanks to a slice of the past on the land they are based.

Jackie explained: “Also we’re hoping to start selling plants from the new heritage garden in the cathedral grounds as a way of keeping up the garden area.”

And looking after the environment they work and live in is very much on the minds of the staff at the Translators’ Tearoom as well.

Jackie said: “All our packaging is recyclable and/or compostable such as our takeaway containers. St Asaph Cathedral has just gained the bronze ‘Eco-church’ award and we are working towards the silver award to include the tearoom as well.

The Translators’ Tearoom is encouraging shoppers to pour in their support behind the #LoveLiveLocal campaign and stir up positive trade for local businesses in their respective county towns.

Jackie added: “The more people who shop locally the stronger the local offer will be, and the more choice there will be. Although online shopping is easier, the personal touch definitely makes a difference, and means more.”

Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #LoveLiveLocal too.

You can get involved by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx

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

Hub takes the hard work out of eco-conscious shopping

A Denbighshire community hub is providing sustainable support to eco-conscious shoppers.

Y Tŷ Gwyrdd, established June 2020 and opened on Back Row, Denbigh during June 2021, is inspiring a new level of eco responsibility amongst the local community.

The Community Hub houses an eco re-fill shop on the ground floor, with additional studio space on the first and second floors.

Marguerite Pearce, Y Tŷ Gwyrdd Director, said: “We sell groceries, household and gardening re-fill products, locally sourced where available.  We support and deliver green-themed and mental health & well-being projects, collaboratively with local artists, other community enterprises, and public and private organisations.

“We take the hard work out of eco-conscious shopping.  We offer a diverse range of affordable basic household items that help reduce packaging and food waste and collectively reduce our impact on the environment.  We listen and respond to our customers to provide products they want, from local suppliers and producers, which are environmentally friendly, and closed loop (reuse rather than recycle).”

The Denbigh establishment is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

Y Tŷ Gwyrdd holds a proud motto of ‘inspiring change to create a sustainable future’. 

Marguerite added: “We follow a ‘mending not ending’ ethos of appreciating and valuing everything.  We try to be creative, imaginative, and resourceful in all that we do, to first and foremost reduce unnecessary waste and consumption (buy what you need), reuse (refill containers, buy second hand, donate unwanted items, repair broken items), and recycle as a last resort. 

The hub is registered for some TerraCycle schemes, and sign-posts customers to drop off locations for other local TerraCycle schemes. 

Marguerite explained: “All our liquid refill suppliers offer a closed-loop system where they take back the container, clean and refill them.  We try to source local and UK-wide to help reduce our carbon footprint.  We have a renewal energy supplier.

The input from the local community the hub serves is vitally important to the present and future of the enterprise.”

Marguerite said: “We engage with the community to understand and support the initiatives and activities that are happening locally, to listen to ideas and concerns, and identify what people would like to see happen in future. 

“As a community benefit society, we are owned and run by the community.  We invite the local community to be actively involved in Y Tŷ Gwyrdd.  We believe to be sustainable the hub and its activities should be guided and shaped by the people who live and work here.” 

Y Tŷ Gwyrdd held their first share offer in June and welcomed on board 50 shareholders. The hub is also working with reSource CIC and Drosi Bikes CIC on a collaborative project to offer quality volunteer opportunities. 

Future plans for the hub include developing a repair workshop in Denbigh, delivering a calendar of events working in partnership with local individuals and organisations, and continuing their search to acquire community-owned wheelchair and pram friendly premises, with changing places and unisex baby change facilities.

And their message to those thinking about shopping locally in the heart of their communities?

Marguerite added: “Support local, help the high street thrive, keep our creative, friendly community spirit alive.”

Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #LoveLiveLocal too.

You can get involved by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx

Vintage furniture can help the environment

Buying antique and second-hand furniture this Christmas can help the environment and add an element of style, says one Denbighshire trader.

Carole Derbyshire-Styles has owned Corwen’s Vintage Home Styles Emporium for the last six years, offering a wealth of antique and vintage furniture and homeware.

After a period of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Carole expanded her original shop and moved into larger premises on London Road which now includes a café.

As well as an expanded range of items, Carole holds a monthly market on the first Sunday of each month providing space for furniture dealers, crafts people as well as a beautician and a personal trainer.

Former Ysbyty Glan Clwyd nurse Carole said: “I have always been interested in furniture buying and selling, I started going to auctions with my father when I lived in Liverpool. 

“I moved to Corwen 31 years ago with a 10 day old baby and a 4 year old. We were building our own house and had little money, but I started going to auctions to buy furniture for the house and I just carried on.

“Once the girls had left home I realised it was time to follow my dream and open my shop and Vintage Home Styles Emporium was born.

“At Vintage Home Styles Emporium we offer a destination for people to come to browse good quality antiques, vintage furniture, homeware and crafts as well as offering a comfortable place to meet friends, have a coffee or lunch and a chat.”

Carole is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by the Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

Carole said buying antique and vintage furniture and gifts can have a positive impact on climate change.

She said: “Recycling plays a big part in my business, upcycling and reusing furniture so it doesn't go in the ground plays a big part in my work ethos.

“Not only does buying antique and vintage items give your home its own unique style, it keeps items away from landfill and in use, reducing the need for new products to be made and avoids the greenhouse gas emissions created through the production, packaging, transportation and disposal of these new products.”

Vintage Home Styles Emporium is one of a number of local independent traders across Denbighshire and Carole is encouraging shoppers to visit the county’s towns this Christmas.

She said: “I love telling people about Corwen, the lovely walks and places to visit like the museum, the steam train and all the history around Corwen. There are lots of fantastic shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs here, after the last 18 months it is really important we have the support of local people this winter.

“Shopping locally gives local traders such a boost and helps support our economy and jobs right here in Denbighshire. I’d encourage people across the county to visit their local town and see what is on offer.”

Shoppers can help by sharing great experiences and products on social media to let people know you have shopped local this winter and encourage others to #LoveLiveLocal too.

You can get involved by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-support/love-live-local.aspx

Ruthin beauty salon backs support received from the community

A Denbighshire beautician says even the smallest purchase puts a huge smile on the face of local traders.

Independent beauty and hairdressing business Beauty on the Square, has been operating in Ruthin for over four years but like most, the global pandemic shook their usual ways of trading, so business owner and hair and beauty professional Kara Tyrrell had to think on her feet and adapt.

Kara who attended Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin and went onto train as a beautician, said: “During lockdown, I recognised that people were keen to look after themselves at home, particularly looking after their health, including skincare.

“I couldn’t offer physical services so instead used my professional knowledge to create skincare tutorials and then uploaded the videos onto our social media channels.

“After adding an online shop, social media viewers soon turned into customers and took advantage of our click and collect and our delivery service - the support was amazing.”

Beauty on the Square started offering gift items such as scented candles, make up bags and trinkets as well as tailor made pamper gift hampers and ‘at home packages’

Kara is supporting is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

She said: “There is an assumption that small businesses aren’t competitively priced as online stores, this is not always accurate. The difference is, by supporting local you are protecting local businesses and ultimately your high street.

“There is so much on offer in your local high street I would encourage people to explore what is on their doorsteps.”

Ruthin resident Kara has invested in specialist training to give back to her community.

She said: “We get involved in local fundraising events and are always attending training courses to better the salon and benefit our clients, such as dementia training to ensure the salon is dementia friendly.

“There is a strong community, including with our neighbouring businesses. Look after your local business and we can look after you.”

For further information about the campaign, follow Denbighshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the #LoveLiveLocal Facebook page account.

Rhuddlan's The Little Flowermonger offers a friendly service

A village florist says shopping locally offers a friendly experience which can’t be matched by browsing online.

Jacqui Bell set up Rhuddlan’s The Little Flowermonger in October 2019 and focuses on providing great customer experience as well as being sustainable, stocking mainly British flowers and using biodegradable packaging.

The Little Flowermonger also sells bespoke hand-made Christmas door wreaths and indoor floral decorations which can give your home a natural and stylish festive feel.

Jacqui, a former pupil at Howell’s School in Denbigh, said: “I sell fresh and dried flowers and I try to buy British grown flowers and foliage when possible and use the shop as a platform to showcase the wonderful stock grown in the country. Our stock is cut and couriered to me directly from the growers within the space of 24 hours.

“We also sell a wide range of recycled glass vases, hand-made candles and other gift wear from supplies that are in line with the sustainable ethos of the Little Flowermonger.”

Jacqui moved to London to train to be a florist and then worked with celebrity florists designing large scale events before opening her own shop, providing flowers for a number of film productions including Spiderman and Batman in the early 2000s, as well as a host of BBC dramas and events for book launches, back stage concerts, Hello magazine and Capital Radio.

Her bespoke Christmas door wreaths were used by a number of hotels in London as part of their festive decorations.

After moving to North Wales, Jacqui opened the Little Flowermonger and is now supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by the Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

She said: “I think there are some great businesses to be found on our doorstep. I believe we should be using our local shops, it’s a lot more personal compared to the convenience of clicking on a link.

“Rhuddlan is a fantastic village and there are lots of independent traders here who provide brilliant products and great customer service. As a customer, I feel we want to feel good about spending money. Shopping should be a pleasant experience that no computer can reproduce, it's not often a computer asks how is your day is going or offers you a cup of tea and a chat.”

Jacqui attends flower markets herself to buy stock, removing the need for delivery vans and lorries.

She said: “The whole of my business is about trying to be as sustainable as possible, otherwise there was no point in opening as another flower shop selling the same, when the customer can go online and order and get a ‘paint by number’ bouquet with lots of plastic accessories.

“I keep my wrapping very simple, it’s all biodegradable, even my flower foods are in compostable sachets. I repurpose as much as possible and research daily about new ideas to constantly improve.”

For further information about the campaign, follow the Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the #CaruBusnesauLleol / #LoveLiveLocal Facebook page.

[Denbighshire County Council would like to apologise for a previous version of this article which contained an error in the title.]