By Harry Mottram: Depending on which set of statistics you read the night time economy of any UK city – essentially 6pm-6am – makes up around 20% of consumer spending in any one day. Again you can choose your stats but a rough estimation is 50% of that is from the cultural sector – talks, theatre, comedy, concerts, film and evening classes – which just goes to show how valuable the arts sector in Bath is for businesses and jobs. To keep the public safe at night – with an emphasis on young women and the vulnerable – Bath’s Business Improvement District (Bath BID) has an excellent partnership with businesses, local police and the Council to address crime and anti-social behaviour negatively impacting a business community. More at https://www.bathbid.co.uk/projects/safe-and-secure/
Boot shop: Australian bootmaker R.M.Williams has opened a store at 42 Milsom Street.
Founded in 1932 in South Australia, R.M.Williams was built on the principles of making things that last – goes its publicity.
The brand’s one-piece leather boots are still made by hand using more than 80 individual processes – a tradition born in the Australian bush.
Best known for its riding boots and for the more urban Chelsea boots the firm has around 50 stores in 15 countries.
The company was founded by R. M. Williams. It is currently owned by Tattarang, an investment company owned by mining magnate Andrew Forrest.
Salisbury Gin: Witchmark Distillery of Salisbury and Bath Rugby have launched of their limited-edition co-branded London Dry Gin.
The Bath Rugby x Witchmark Spirited Union Gin is based on Witchmark’s award-winning Single Origin London Dry Gin, re-envisioned with a co-branded label in Bath Rugby’s signature blue, black and white.
Witchmark Distillery gets its name from the protected ‘witch marks’ found in the stone of their buildings, dating back to the 1600s. These symbols made from scribing interlinking circles safeguarded the occupants and the produce within. Each of Witchmark’s single origin spirits are distilled from barley grown in the fields surrounding distillery in Wiltshire.
The gin retails for £43 and will be available in limited quantities through Bath Rugby’s retail channels, including The Rec stadium shop and hospitality lounges, as well as directly from Witchmark’s visitor centre and online store, as well as selected retailers including Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen, The Sam Weller’s, The Three Horseshoes, The Architect in Bath, Independent Spirit of Bath, Hideout Bath and Flan O’Briens.
Small Business Week: Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, visited Bath Christmas Market last month as part of Small Business Saturday (6 December).
Her publicity said she ‘helped champion the region’s small businesses with a stop at Mjölk Café & Bakery’s market stall for a mulled cider after meetings and the announcement in the city that Kids Go Free will return for the upcoming school holidays across the West.’
The region’s new Growth Strategy she explained ‘highlights the important role of “thriving local businesses” in supporting an economy that works for everyone, with opportunity in every community.’
Helen Godwin said: “I enjoyed a mulled cider while walking around Bath Christmas Market with my family.
“We picked up a few presents from local traders and were reminded once again how special our part of the world is – and that’s thanks in no small part to our small businesses.”
Chamber: Bath Chamber of Commerce is the largest business membership and campaign organisation in Bath connecting local businesses.
Benefiting from being a part of Business West – the largest organisation of its kind in the UK – they provide a network of local businesses with support only accessible to large corporations.
Membership includes a many business organisations – for details: www.businesswest.co.uk/chambers/bath-chamber-of-commerce.
Juice shop: Joe and the Juice have opened a shop at 12 Stall Street – the 89th location in the UK. It’s publicity says it, ‘reflects the brand’s contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic, blending minimalist design with a warm, buzzing atmosphere.
The store sells sandwiches and a selection of Iced Matcha drinks, protein shakes and juices and shots.
Sarnie chain has opened a branch in Bristol as well.
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
Bath Voice Monthly Newspaper is distributed free to thousands of homes and some supermarkets – distributed from the first of the month. Harry Mottram is the News Editor
Email him at news@bathvoice.co.uk Bath website: https://bathvoice.co.uk/news/
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