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Journey’s End Interiors shop in Romsey awarded a grant from the council

A gorgeous new luxury homeware shop has just received the first £600 instalment of a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.

Matt Bishop is a co-owner of the newly opened Journey’s End Interiors on Latimer Street in the heart of Romsey. It sells handcrafted furniture and bespoke kitchens, as well as products such as teak benches, solid wood dining tables, sofas, upholstered chairs, beautiful mirrors, clocks, ornaments and more. They also offer stunning one-offs, such as driftwood mirrors.

Matt said: “I am so pleased to be awarded the Independent Retailer Grant. It is a great help, and it will go towards updating our staff facilities by installing hot water on the premises. We also hope to introduce some new summer staff clothing.”

Recipients of the £1,200 grant receive £600 after three months of trading and a further £600 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafes.

Jennie Pell, principal economic development officer at Test Valley Borough Council, said: “It is brilliant to see another small business in Romsey. It is great that over half their stock is made by local and UK manufacturers, thus supporting other local businesses in a sustainable way. Romsey is rapidly becoming a shopping destination for people who want to find something a little bit different and this is a fantastic addition to the town.”

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 https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/businessgrantsandsupport/grantsandfunding