It’s no secret that times are tough on the UK’s high streets right now, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, growing financial pressures and red tape among the many factors impacting small businesses in particular.
But what determination, resilience, hard work and creativity it takes to face these daunting challenges as an individual or small team. Such strength of belief is required to even set foot on the path to independence, let alone stride out along it, navigating obstacle after obstacle to keep the dream alive – not just for the business owners themselves, but most importantly for the communities the businesses serve.
This is where the true power of the indie lies, because it’s this passion that translates into the care, initiative and attention to detail that we get to enjoy every time we shop, eat, drink or step into a salon.
This month is all about showing our support for what independents do.
Sharing the love
“People often assume that what we sell is the most important part of the business, but for me it’s always been about how people feel when they walk through the door,” affirms Wendy Smalley, owner of 40 Green Street.
With 20-plus years of independent retail experience, Wendy has founded several successful shops. After raising her daughter, she found herself drawn back to the world she loves, opening 40 Green Street just over a year ago. Here, she curates an eclectic collection of interesting and unusual pieces, from hand-printed greetings cards and hand-rolled pure incense to statement pieces designed to conjure joy, colour and personality.
Witnessing the effect the shop has on people – who often arrive feeling overwhelmed, distracted or weighed down by life, yet leave inspired and uplifted – is a constant source of pride that Wendy never takes for granted.
“In a world that often feels rushed, creating a space that encourages people to slow down, discover and smile is something I am very proud of. If a visit to 40 Green Street can brighten someone’s day, spark their curiosity or help them find something that brings lasting happiness to their home, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do,” she enthuses.
It’s a similar story at Cafe au Chocolat, located on Green Street in Cambridge and Ironmonger Street in Stamford, where joy is spread to local communities by founder Krystyna Szypryt and her team through French-style culinary delights. “I believe in celebrating food experiences and giving people a taste of and insight into another culture,” she explains.
A linguist who lived in and fell in love with France, Krystyna serves authentic sweet and savoury French crêpes, freshly made to order, alongside patisserie, luxury artisan chocolates, bespoke and single-origin coffees and organic hot chocolates. “There is nothing more rewarding than hearing a customer say: ‘Thank you, that was so good!’” she smiles.
At Hot Numbers Coffee Roasters, where a range of coffees are now served at three cafes in the county, along with sourdough bread, cakes from the in-house bakery and a seasonal brunch menu, customer satisfaction is of equal importance. “We have a lot of regulars, some from the day we opened more than 15 years ago!” says owner Simon Fraser.
Starting out with a passion for quality coffee, music, conversation and characters, Simon has grown the business organically, now employing 100 staff across the Gwydir Street, Trumpington Street and Shepreth sites, winning awards along the way.
“I still enjoy it as much today as I did when I first opened, although that might depend on which day you ask me!” he laughs.
Doing their bit
A shared aim, likely among all independent businesses, is celebrating individuality. Each business is brimming with personality, and exists to help its customers embrace their own, each and every day.
“Getting to know our customers, stripping away that corporate stuffiness and helping people express themselves is exactly why independent business matters,” agrees Indu Jose, joint venture partner at IOLLA, an independent eyewear retailer on Green Street.
“Eyewear is deeply personal, and my proudest moments are when our team helps a customer put on a bold new frame or custom tint, look in the mirror and instantly beam with confidence.”
Offering prescription glasses, sunglasses and bespoke eyewear styling, with transparent, all-inclusive pricing for single-vision and varifocal glasses, IOLLA is celebrating a year in business this month. Indu has been bowled over by the warm reception from the Cambridge community her team serves.
Giving back is also at the heart of that sense of community spirit. “The awareness and money we raise every year for charity is our biggest achievement,” says Hayley Butler, boutique manager at Cuckoo Clothing, located at Burwash Manor, Barton. “We’ve raised thousands!”
As a proudly independent and female-run business, Cuckoo Clothing has been trading for 20 years now. Throughout that time, it has been treating its customers to unique prints, beautiful textiles, natural fabrics and interesting shapes, as well as jewellery, handcrafted leather bags, skincare and footwear.
Indeed, as Wendy Smalley observes, community works best when everyone pulls together for the greater good. “For me, independent retail is all about authenticity, passion and a genuine commitment to supporting one another,” she says.
One business that knows its community inside out is Townsends Light Blue Cycle Centre. With 130 years of trading under its saddlebags, few in Cambridge can match its longevity.
Originally founded on Norfolk Street in 1895 by John Albert Townsend, who manufactured and sold The Light Blue brand of bicycles in the city, the business later moved to Burleigh Street before eventually settling at the original Ison’s Cycles shop located on Chesterton Road, where it has stayed ever since.
Lloyd Townsend, the great-grandson of its founder, is the current owner. “I grew up within the family business and have always enjoyed cycling and helping people get the most from their bikes. Townsends has a unique place in Cambridge’s cycling history, and the opportunity to be part of a business that has served local cyclists for generations was something that really appealed to me,” he reflects.
The business has evolved and diversified over the years in line with developments in technology, design and lifestyle, and it now offers a wide range of bicycles, e-bikes, children’s bikes, accessories, clothing, parts and nutrition products, as well as advice, servicing and repairs in its fully equipped workshop.
“Cycling is at the heart of Cambridge – and we love being part of that culture. Being the oldest surviving cycle shop in Cambridge and still serving customers across generations is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s particularly rewarding when customers who bought bikes from us years ago return with their children or grandchildren,” says Lloyd.
“The support of our loyal customers and being part of the local community makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Indies’ favourite indies
“One of our favourite local independents is Mackay’s, the ironmongers – a family company that’s passionate about customer service and has strong roots in the community” – Lloyd Townsend, Townsends Light Blue Cycle Centre.
“Goldrush Vintage, Modish and I have to mention Ark: owner Jane has remained completely true to her vision and that deserves enormous respect” – Wendy Smalley, 40 Green Street.
“Fitzbillies – we sell their delicious croissants, pains au chocolat and fruit scones” – Krystyna Szypryt, Cafe au Chocolat.
“Bird & Blend Tea Co – their tea mixologists bring brilliant energy to Green Street, and their creative blends are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up for our team!” – Indu Jose, IOLLA.