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TRACEY KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY AT BABY GOODS SHOP
An Ashington mum of six who runs a successful business has extended and revamped her shop – with help from Go Wansbeck.
Go Wansbeck’s Business Premises Scheme awarded Tracey McGhee’s business half of the funds needed to refurbish the baby goods store, Cradle Days, she has owned for four and a half years. The scheme provides backing for businesses to build new premises in the area or renovate existing sites.
Cradle Days, on Station Road in Ashington, has flourished since Tracey took over the shop in 2005 and she now employs her sister as manager, mother, sister-in law and a family friend. The shop sells everything you could need for babies and toddlers, but the 42-year-old needed more storage space for stock. Go Wansbeck’s Business Premises Scheme, which encourages businesses to develop workspaces, was able to provide support for the development.
Tracey said: “The grant gave us the opportunity to completely refurbish the store and create an extension, meaning we can stock more. What was also great was that we were able to use local businesses Teamforce and Created4U to carry out the work at the shop. Go Wansbeck had helped them in the past as well, so they also benefited.
“We were closed for four and a half months while the work was being completed, which is a long time, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the loyalty from previous customers. We even had one lady set her alarm so she could be here at nine o’clock on the day we re-opened. The help from Emma Bird and everyone at Go Wansbeck has been great. The whole process was very smooth. ”
Emma Bird, from Go Wansbeck’s Business Premises Scheme said: “The improvements at Cradle Days go to show how successful the Business Premises Scheme and the Go Wansbeck programme have been and continue to be. Most importantly, Tracey at Cradle Days was able to renovate her shop to gain more storage space and a fresh appearance, with the use of local labour resources to help her achieve it.”
For more information on The Business Premises Scheme visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or ring contact David Baird (01670 534169) or Emma Bird (01670 533969). Funding is available to support both speculative and “purpose built” projects for sale or let and covers new builds as well as refurbishment and conversion of existing buildings.
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