A bright future predicted
The Haven receives grant
Test Valley Borough Council has presented the second instalment of a £1,000 Independent Retailer Grant to the owner of a popular local spiritual shop.
Iain Smith opened The Haven at 3 Waterloo Court in November 2015 following a career as an IT network engineer. Iain has always been interested in spiritualism and also works as a medium when he’s not managing his shop. The Haven sells spiritual items and offers a variety of gifts and products including oils, books, crystals and tarot cards.
St Mary’s ward member, Councillor David Denny, said: “Iain has worked really hard to establish The Haven as a successful retailer in Andover. The business is in a fantastic location and is proving to be very popular with shoppers. I’m pleased to present Iain with the second instalment of the Independent Retailer Grant and I wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Iain added: “The Haven is going from strength to strength and I’d like to thank Test Valley Borough Council for the grant. We feel very lucky to have settled in so well and I’m really pleased that I was able to fulfil a long-term ambition this year.”
Recipients of the Independent Retailer Grant receive £500 after three months of trading and a further £500 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.
For more information about the grants available to businesses, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/business.