STOCKTON Town Centre’s Enterprise Arcade has received high praise by judges in a national enterprise award.
The Enterprising Britain Awards (EBA) are part of the Government’s drive to increase entrepreneurial activity in the UK. Each year projects displaying outstanding innovation and ambition are acknowledged for their success in helping to create the business environment, skills and confidence needed for small businesses to start and grow.
Stockton Enterprise Arcade was one of six projects to receive a ‘Judges’ Highly Commended Award’.
Councillor David Rose, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “The awards celebrate the wide range of activity across the country which stimulates and supports enterprise. We were told that this year’s awards produced a strong field of entries giving the judges a challenging task so we are delighted to be commended for the work we are doing to support independent retailers and boost opportunities for people to be able to test the market.”
Neville Reyner CBE DL Hon DLitt, Chairman of Young Chamber who manage the awards, said: “The 2015 EBA competition produced a record number of entries with entries from across the UK being submitted. This year’s award winners should be very proud of their success.”
Based at 35-37 High Street the Enterprise Arcade provides low cost, low risk space for up to 15 fledgling retailers. As well as providing a place where new businesses can test trade their ideas potential retailers receive a full package of business support provided by ‘B-Supplied’.
Three new businesses have opened in the Arcade in recent months. Love Earth Store, a fair trade shop with home interiors, gifts and handmade crafts from around the world has been trading since May. De-Stress Express offers a fully clothed and seated massage service for busy shoppers, stressed out office workers and visitors in need of invigoration.
The most recent shop to open inside the arcade is Drake – The Book Shop, a family run independent bookshop selling titles suitable for all – from young children, through to teenagers and adults. They also stock a wide range of dyslexia-friendly books and graphic novels.
Visit www.rediscoverstockton.co.uk, email info@bsupplied.co.uk or call 01642 605198 to find out more about opportunities at the Enterprise Arcade.