A new beauty salon in Andover has been awarded a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Amber Stewart set up her beauty salon, ‘Gloss Beauty’, from home. Steady growth of her client base enabled her to launch the salon in the Andover town centre location of Waterloo Court. Passing footfall has expanded her customer base further. Amber prides herself on the great relationships that she builds with her clients which ensures that they become loyal returning customers.
She says she feels honoured that they then entrust her for special times in their lives such as weddings. Her current specialism is nail care and hand drawn nail art, and she’s looking to expand the offering to other nail treatments in the future. She works by appointment at times to suit her clients.
Amber said, “Waterloo Court is a great town centre location. I am really pleased to be awarded the grant that has helped me to purchase additional furnishings and extra stock for the salon”.
Recipients of the £1,200 grant receive £600 after three months of trading and a further £600 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.
Councillor Iris Andersen representing St Mary’s ward, who presented the cheque to Amber, said: “The grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley. I am delighted that Amber has been successful in her grant application and wish her every success.”
Councillor Jan Budzynski also representing St Mary’s ward added “The grants help to give new local businesses a boost to get started and I am pleased that Amber has been awarded the grant to enable her to have a town centre location where she can grow her business further.”
These funds have become available to the community as a result of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus.
For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk
