Amy Harwood shop manager and Cllr Nik Daas
New shop the Fig and Fox in Romsey awarded a business incentive grant from Test Valley Borough Council
A new shop - Fig and Fox - on The Hundred in Romsey has been awarded a £750 business incentive grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Fig and Fox opened in October 2022, selling independently crafted and ethically sourced household goods, houseplants, gifts, local food and drink, along with baked goods and speciality coffee. They employ one full time member of staff and four part-time.
James and Helen Mitchell opened Fig and Fox as a change of career from teaching and theatre work. In the run up to Christmas this year, they will be opening a trial shop in Basingstoke’s Festival Place and Winchester’s Christmas Market.
James said “The shop has had a strong start with customers visiting from Winchester and further afield. The shop also has an online presence, which we plan to develop, and we are currently offering free delivery for orders over £25 or a free 'click and collect’ service.”
The council’s business incentive grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong at least six months later.
Councillor Nik Daas, who recently presented the cheque to James, said: “I visited Fig and Fox when it first opened and instantly saw it was a wonderful addition to the town. I am so pleased that this business incentive grant can now even further boost them going forward. I wish James and Helen all the very best.”
These funds have become available to the community as a consequence of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus.
For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk