Hunts Bookshop back on the high street

TWO more empty units on the High Street have been filled.

Café Vita and Hunts Bookshop are the latest to bank £3,000 grants from the award winning Retail Start-Up Scheme, funded by the borough council and Rugby First.

Since its introduction, several businesses have taken advantage of the grant, including Supatone and Tanning, Shadow Games, London Calling, Ripride and The Play Café.

Mahmood Miandihi, owner of Café Vita, a specialist coffee shop, said: “I was one of the first businesses to apply for the grant and there is no doubt it played a part in my decision to locate in Rugby rather than elsewhere.

“It’s taken a while to get the business open but I have been really pleased by the support and encouragement Rugby First has provided throughout this whole process.”

Kelvin Hunt, owner of Hunt’s Bookshop, which is returning to the High Street after a temporary move to Chapel Street, said: “The grant will really help me during the first few months of trading which are always difficult for new businesses.”

- Also among the new businesses in Rugby is Garden Gate Flowers on Regent Street.

In the coming months, the shop plans to introduce free parking when people spend over £15, following in the footsteps of neighbouring shop Parriss Jewellers. The shop is also considering special discount loyalty cards and a variety of hands-on classes.

Co-owner Sue Ainley said: “Rugby is our home town and the premises and location on Regent Street are perfect for the new business."

Buy photos» Kelvin Hunt from Hunts Bookstore with Coun Heather Timms portfolio holder for economic development and culture with Rugby First boss Aftab Gaffar. Picture by Jon Mullis 48.013.040.rug.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

Simon Ainley, Frankie Frankland and Sue Ainley of Garden Gate (s)

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