Flowering success for new florist

Florist Joanne Crux

Business is blooming at a newly opened florist in Heywood, thanks to a grant scheme attracting new companies into the town centre.

Tayler James Flowers on Market Street has flung open its doors to the public and specialises in everything from freshly cut floral bouquets to arranging weddings, funerals and other function flowers.

Business owner Joanne Crux decided to set up shop in Heywood shortly after the original Bakers Outdoor Leisure property was revamped and converted into two shops and new office space.

One of the retail units accommodates Joanne’s new business and the other is home to Bakers Outdoor Leisure shop.
The transformation of Bakers Outdoor Leisure was only made possible by a Property Improvement Programme grant, which was delivered by Rochdale Development Agency and funded by New Heart for Heywood.

The grant has transformed the exterior of the property to include new shop fronts and bright new signage. Describing her new shop, Ms Crux said: “Since opening, we’ve had a constant stream of customers and I’m sure it’s because of our attractive surroundings.

“The shop looks very modern and up-market from the outside; I like it because it’s a basic design, minimalist, modern and attractive. I think the improvements and general refurbishment has made a great deal of difference because we certainly haven’t been short of custom since we first opened. People driving past can’t help noticing the colourful signage outside so the changes really do stop traffic!”

Carole Baker, the owner of the original Bakers Outdoor Leisure shop, applied for the Property Improvement Programme Grant with the help of her daughter Sara to complete the makeover and is delighted with the results.
She said: “Customers always make positive remarks when they come into the shop and passers by have all given their thumbs up to the changes that have been made.

“We decided to apply for the grant because we wanted to transform the exterior of the property but we also invested additional money to re-arrange the interior layout of the shop by making use of space that previously went unused.
“Apart from keeping Bakers Outdoor Leisure and opening up a new florist, there are plans in the pipeline for a recruitment agency to move in. We think the grant is a fantastic scheme and lots of new businesses have already started benefiting in the town.”

Mr amp; Mrs Baker bought Bakers Outdoor Leisure in 1963 when the property was known as Bakers Army amp; Navy and moved into the shop with their three children.

During Mrs Baker’s 47-year career, the name of the shop has changed from Bakers Army amp; Navy to Bakers Outdoor People and then Bakers Outdoor Leisure in 2000.

Over 22 businesses in Heywood have benefited from Property Improvement Grants to date, and £369,000 has been awarded in total.

Mrs Baker and Sara also wanted to thank Julie Evans for giving them the confidence and help in going forward with the improvements.

The Property Improvement Programme funds have now ended, but Resident Director of New Heart for Heywood, Malcolm Bruce, stressed how big a difference the work had made to the town.

He said: “The work that’s taken place at Bakers Outdoor Leisure shows that Property Improvement grants have helped to transform the face of the town centre.

“Visitors and investors are being encouraged to shop and bring business into Heywood, and this is partly because the premises in the town centre are attractive and undergoing a lot of change.

“We are delighted that businesses like Carole and Joanne’s are benefiting from the scheme and that shops are thriving with new customers.”