With the exciting new improvements underway at Watford Market and set to be completed by summer, Watford Borough Council are encouraging small businesses to become part of the brilliant team.
The improvements potential small businesses would benefit from include brand-new signage, improved entrances, renovation of the containers, as well as new branding and a planting scheme to make the market greener, more inviting, and to bring a unique character to the space. Working with Market Asset Management, the council will be investing £250,000 in total.
The market are looking for the best street food, art and retail operators to join them to support their Eat Local Shop Local philosophy and benefit from the exciting changes. If you think you could be part of the lively, social and creative atmosphere and your small business would be a good fit, please contact the team at: www.watfordmarket.co.uk/join-us.
Businesses that are being urged to apply need to have a passion for the goods they want to sell, to be keen to build their brand alongside Watford Market and to see the potential in this urban environment. To ensure the market continues to offer an eclectic mixture of products and food, applications from the following businesses are being encouraged:
Coffee shop / café, bakery, unique street food, artisan foods/delicatessen, fashion boutique, designer maker/arts/creative and local brewery / cocktails / speciality gin.
The market ideally placed within the town centre, as well as the business district of Clarendon Road and West Herts College helps attract a mix of customers looking to shop and eat local. For businesses interested in renting at Watford Market, there are affordable opportunities in the purpose-built shipping container units starting from £75 p/week (discounts available for start-ups).
This unique space for shopping, eating and events, allows local business to thrive and provides a great space for community to enjoy. By becoming part of the market, it will allow small businesses:
The opportunity to build your business — as a start-up it may be difficult to secure funding, especially to afford a lease for a shop. With cheaper rent and rent incentives for new traders, market trading gives people the opportunity to start small and grow.
To make or enhance connections — In order to succeed it is important for a market trader to interact and build a network of customers, to gain genuine feedback and learn which products sell. There is a sense of community with fellow business owners and it is a great opportunity to learn from others on the market.
To build up franchises – for successful businesses operating in Watford and the surrounding areas, the opportunity to have a unit here allows you to experiment at expanding your business with lower financial risk.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “I am determined to make sure we have a thriving market in the future and that’s why we have invested in these brilliant improvements that will enhance the character of the space and also help increase footfall. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford’s economy, making a vital contribution to the success of our town, so whether you’re an existing business, or you’re an entrepreneur and have an idea that you want to progress, contact us today and benefit from all the changes at the market.”
For more information, including profiles of all the traders operating, please visit www.watfordmarket.co.uk. You can also follow the dedicated social media channels at facebook.com/watfordtownmarket and instagram.com/watfordtownmarket.