small business
5 stories24 OctoberSaturday
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Pop-up shops push Wrenhaven high-street vacancy rate to a six-year low
A scheme offering empty units to start-up traders on short, cheap leases has filled 37 shopfronts, and a third of the tenants have now signed longer contracts.
22 OctoberThursday
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Old Quay market traders adopt card payments as cash use falls
Almost every stall at the weekend market now takes cards after a group deal cut fees, though traders say they will keep accepting coins for regulars who prefer them.
21 OctoberWednesday
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Coastal guesthouses fill quiet months by bundling walks and food breaks
Small hotels and guesthouses around Greyling Bay report a rise in out-of-season bookings after joining forces to sell guided walks, cookery sessions and harbour suppers as short-break packages.
20 OctoberTuesday
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Robots for rent: small bakeries and food makers lease automation by the month
A Wrenhaven firm is renting out robot arms to small food producers on monthly contracts, letting bakeries and kitchens automate heavy, repetitive jobs without paying tens of thousands of euros upfront.
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Old Quay coffee roaster triples output and starts exporting
Tidewheel Coffee, which began roasting in a converted net loft eight years ago, has moved into a former chandlery and is now sending beans to cafés in three countries.
