As we move into Step 4 of the Roadmap out of lockdown, HI HUB reports on four female-led independents hoping to walk away with a 2021 ‘Muddy’ award, and plans to support all local businesses through the months ahead.
On 19 July we entered Step 4 of the UK government’s roadmap out of COVID, lifting many of the legal restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Timed to coincide with the end of the school term and the warmer months, when more activities can take place outdoors, this relaxing of the pandemic rules brings with it both relief and confusion as our local businesses strive to ensure that visiting customers continue to feel safe and secure.
Keeping it local
Shopping locally brings many benefits. For us personally, it brings with it the chance to get to know our community better, benefiting our mental health and wellbeing. For the community as a whole, it strengthens our economy and provides employment. And for the environment, it lowers our carbon footprint with more opportunities to make journeys on foot or by bike. All great reasons to keep it local!
The past 16 months has seen our local businesses tested in ways nobody could ever have anticipated and the support of the community as they claw their way back will be vital if we are to hold on to the diverse range of businesses we are lucky enough to enjoy here in Histon and Impington. It is with this in mind that HI HUB, in collaboration with our Parish Council, is planning a village-wide initiative this autumn aimed at promoting the benefits of ‘Shop Local’ with some great deals for business owners and the community alike. Look out for more news on this exciting project here on HI HUB in early September.
Leading the way
Coming out of the restrictions with a few minor scratches but still with big smiles on their faces are four female led H&I independents, all hoping to earn a 2021 Indie business Muddy Stilettos award. Now in its eighth year, the much coveted ‘Muddies’ showcase lifestyle businesses across 25 counties in 27 categories ranging from Best Art Gallery to Best Yoga/Pilates studio.
Taking up position in the shortlist for Best Beauty Salon is Estelle’s Histon High Street, fronted by Estelle Ashdjian. Having been open officially for only 16 weeks, and faced several setbacks due to the various lockdowns, Estelle told HI HUB “We are so happy and grateful to all our clients for nominating us. It is amazing being up for our first award, especially with us having been open such a short time. It would be incredible to win!
Read also: ‘My salon door is always open’
“The support we have received locally since opening has been amazing with people constantly messaging to compliment us or book in after being recommended by friends. We have had the best start we could have asked for. It is marvellous too that the three other H&I finalists are all run by remarkable business women”.
Overjoyed with her nomination in the Best New COVID Biz category is Sarah Barnes with Cool Beans Coffee Co. Sarah and her little blue van has been a sight for sore eyes during lockdown, dispensing joy in the form of lattes and tasty bites across our villages and beyond.
Read also: New business is booming in H&I
I asked Sarah what it meant to be a finalist in this very unique category: “I can’t really take it in that, from serving my first coffee as the sun came up on Christmas Eve 2020, I am now in the finals for the Best New Covid Biz, and that really is testament to the amazing community that we live in.
“I am so grateful to all of you who have come out regularly in all weathers for a coffee and a chat at my little blue van. It has been a privilege to get to know you all and a massive thank you to everyone who nominated Cool Beans to get me into the finals. Please take the time to get behind all our fantastic local businesses who have overcome many hurdles during the last year. It would be brilliant if Histon & Impington could claim to be home to all the winners!”
Blooming happy in the category of Best Florist is Lucy Hill and the Gin House Flowers team. Since popping up in the previously empty School Hill unit (now occupied by Stir) Gin House has built up a strong community relationship here in H&I and is now finally happily embedded in its new home on Histon High street where their beautifully decorated shop brings joy to passers by.
Lucy, Mr Gin House and Frankie – described by Lucy as ‘the real boss, florist extraordinaire, Prosecco lover and maker of the most beautiful bouquets’ – have fought their way through the many challenges thrown at them over the last 16 months coming out smelling of roses on the other side.
Read also: “I can’t put into words how much I missed being here”
Lucy is thrilled to be nominated and told us: “It’s amazing to be recognised after such a tough 16 months. The support from the village has been overwhelming; not just for ourselves but the other nominees also. To win would be incredible but to just get this far has been fabulous”!
The fourth local finalist, and nominated in the category Best Gift Shop, is Topiary Tree.
Located adjacent to our beautiful village green, in the unit previously occupied by Daisy Chain, Topiary Tree’s opening has also been thwarted many times along the way by COVID lockdowns and restrictions. But owner Alison Douglas was determined not to allow lockdown to stop sales and, for several months, the shop went online with Alison offering local deliveries. Fully open since April, Topiary Tree customers are now, once again, able to enjoy gift browsing in person.
Read also: Histon & Impington is back in business
Alison shared her joy at being nominated: “I feel privileged to be a finalist for Best Gift Shop in Suffolk & Cambs. The support from customers (old and new) has been inspiring since re-opening on my own and I would like to thank all those who have voted for me. It proves what a great village Histon is to live and work. Good luck to everyone.”
Voting in all categories closes at 5pm on 23 July so there is still time to vote for your favourites. Winners will be announced on 29th July.
The past 16 months of uncertainty have brought with them many hurdles to jump for all of the businesses here in Histon & Impington. If you are an H&I business and wish to register an early interest for our autumn Shop Local campaign, or would like to join our growing list of Business Directory members, please drop an email to Mel Lerway, Publishing Manager, via admin@hihub.info and she will ensure all relevant information is sent out to you before launch.