‘The community of Newton is second-to-none’ - Meet the independent businesses helping Newton-le-Willows to thrive

Newton-le-Willows has always had a positive reputation, yet an increased focus on local, independent businesses has allowed the area to really prosper, bringing in people from all over the north west.

Combined with Newton’s parks, schools and accessible transport links, the independent businesses on High Street have helped the area become the second hottest property seller in the country, as reported by a Rightmove study earlier this year.

The area’s success comes at a time when the impact of the pandemic and the difficulties faced by town and city centres across the country has led to disused spaces and big brand closures becoming a common theme.

Speaking to a number of businesses on High Street, the prevailing feeling is that the area’s success is down to a collective community-focus, with many of the owners coming from the community and having a real pride of place, as well as serving Newton the best they can.

House of Eden

Elizabeth Davies, owner of House of Eden

Elizabeth Davies opened House of Eden, a beauty salon and training centre in April 2021.

After always wanting to open her own salon, Elizabeth said: “This is where I’ve always lived, so it’s a place where I’ve wanted to stay near home.

“[The area] is thriving at the minute because there is a lot of new businesses opening, and it seems to be up-market businesses that are fresher and creating a buzz.”

Speaking about why she feels Newton is doing so well, Elizabeth added: “I think people like independent, family-run businesses, and are straying away from big chains."

Businesses across High Street are said to work together and collaborate at events to support and celebrate each other, which Elizabeth said is “really bringing the community together”.

The support from local people has also been encouraging for the new start-up, with huge numbers coming through the doors or asking for the price list as they walk past.

Willows

Debbie Makin, owner of Willows

Meanwhile, Willows, a womenswear and homeware store, has succeeded in making their business profitable since opening four years ago.

Adapting to the changing circumstances over the past 18 months, Debbie Makin, owner of Willows, said the business continued operating throughout the pandemic, delivering their quality range of clothes to customers across the region.

The success of their High Street store has also enabled the team to expand and open a second shop in Westbrook, Cheshire.

Debbie said Newton-le-Willows is “a really good destination. You’ve got everything from the bars, restaurants, café’s, and our little boutique. You can really spend a full day here”.

After the struggles of the pandemic, she finds the success of the region is in large part down to the community coming out and supporting local businesses.
She said: “I think now more than ever, people are wanting to support their local high street.” 

Mamma J's

The team at Mamma J's, a speciality coffee and homemade panini shop

Due to people coming out to support local businesses, Mamma J’s – a speciality coffee and homemade panini shop - has been able to go from “strength to strength” despite only opening 10 weeks ago.

Amanda Jackson, owner of Mamma J’s perceives that being from the area is hugely beneficial for her business’ success, with a lot of local people making their way to her café to show their support.

Amanda said that the Newton-le-Willows loyalty cards – a £10 card that gives discount at certain shops on High Street – highlights how the town has a really strong community relationship.

She said: “It’s trying to get local people staying local and spending their money locally […] and I think that’s really important.
“People have actually said they are coming in specially to support local businesses.”

Riddling Rack

Bernie Stagg, General Manager at Riddling Rack

General manager of Riddling Rack, Bernie Stagg, has similar feelings to the other owners, and said that the local community has really supported their business since reopening after lockdown.

Due to the popularity of the café bar, the team have recently revamped their underused upstairs space into a trendy champagne lounge.

In Newton, Bernie said that Riddling Rack has a perfect location in order to thrive.
He said: “Newton’s great, it’s got lovely parks, great transport links and a couple of great pubs [and shops]. It ticks all the boxes.

“The community of Newton is second-to-none. You really get a sense of everybody helping each other out, and the local councillors are constantly in and around the place trying to make improvements.”

Bernie feels that a major reason for High Street’s success is that every shop has a “real pride of place” and goes the extra mile to make their business attractive, confident that people will continue  showing their support. 

Summing up the community of Newton-le-Willows, Bernie feels they are “very close, very supportive and very varied". 

She said: “There are lots of people from lots of different areas, backgrounds and ethnicities, and it just makes it a really exciting and friendly place to be.”