Horsham Town Centre sees more independent businesses open

Horsham District Council funding has allowed four new independent businesses open in the town

Horsham District Council has released a range of grant funds and innovative initiatives, that are allowing several new entrepreneurs to expand their businesses in the retail sector, delivering a vibrant collection of new experiences for customers in Horsham Town Centre.

As a result of this, four new independent businesses have recently opened in the town centre.

In Swan Walk Shopping Centre, you can find Major Mind Games, the town’s first immersive escape room experience as well as the indoor plant specialist Hugo Green and bite- sized therapy salon POD Massage added to their existing retail outlets.

Elsewhere on Colletts Alley in Middle Street, Lorna Beard has opened a first floor Art Gallery and Studio.

Both Hugo Green and Lorna Beard Studios originally came to light through the Council’s Pop Up Horsham facility in the town’s West Street in 2021, which gave them the opportunity to try out retail trading.

Additionally, Gobsmack Comics, also benefitted from the Council’s initial Pop Up Horsham partnership back in 2015 and is still successfully trading in Swan Walk Shopping Centre.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for the Local Economy, Jonathan Chowen said, “I think this new portfolio of town businesses are great examples of entrepreneurs now making a successful living on our high streets.

I am delighted that by imaginative use of our resources we have been able to assist in their business journeys and hope that we will be able to support many more fledgling businesses in the future Independent traders are so vital to the character of a market town."

Chris Woods-Hale, Director at Major Mindgames, paid tribute to the Council’s economic support saying:

The Council has been completely supportive and was quick to see the wider benefit of a destination business such as ours for the town as a whole.

The ARG grant funding they awarded us has made a significant difference to our launch, enabling us to open a more impactful businesses on day one than we had planned initially."

Lorna Beard, one of the traders that has benefitted, added:

The exposure and experience I gained from my time in last year’s Pop Up shop inspired me to take the leap into a studio and gallery of my own. I think Horsham has the ability to attract an even greater range of specialist creative and experience-based businesses based on the public response I have personally found.

Gill Buchanan and her team at Swan Walk are always pleased to welcome new brands and continue to champion independents with Gill saying:

"Having these new businesses join us this summer is great for both Swan Walk and the town centre and working with all partners in our community, especially the Council remains a priority for us."

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