Independent retailer grant from council supports new Andover business
A new independent business in Andover town centre is benefiting from a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Halo and Dagger has opened in Black Swan Yard, bringing together two services under one roof. Co‑owners Arwel Jones and Carrie Holdbrook offer a combined space where Arwel provides tattoo services while Carrie delivers a range of aesthetic beauty treatments. Arwel has recently retired from the military.
The premises had been unoccupied for over a month before Halo and Dagger moved in, helping to bring a vacant ground-floor unit back into use.
Arwel said: “Business has been steady from the start, which has been really encouraging. It works well having both services in the same space, and the grant has really helped with the costs of getting set up. We’re pleased to be part of the town centre.”
St Mary’s ward Councillor Budzynski said: “It’s great to see a new business like Halo and Dagger choosing to set up in Andover and bringing an empty unit back into use. Independent retailers play an important role in creating a lively town centre, and we’re pleased to support local entrepreneurs as they get started.”
The Independent Retailer Grant is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth across the borough. It provides £1,200 in two tranches, after a minimum of three months and nine months of trading, to businesses moving into empty ground-floor town centre premises.