Council awards independent retailer grant to new Andover café
Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £1200 Independent Retailer Grant to Dinner Jacket, a new jacket potato café located in Swan Court, Andover. The grant aims to support the opening of new small businesses in the area, helping them to get established and expand their offerings.
The Dinner Jacket, owned by Russell Dadds opened its doors in July 2024, offering a range of jacket potatoes and baguettes. The business has seen significant growth through platforms like Just Eat and recently launched on Deliveroo. He has employed Yvonne Wilson, a manager with previous hospitality experience and plans to expand the café’s offerings by introducing ice creams in the summer and investing in more tables and chairs to accommodate customers.
Russell said: “I appreciate the council’s support for small businesses like mine. I’m also really grateful to all my loyal returning customers within the town. I’m looking forward to expanding the product range offered by the Dinner Jacket in time for the summer.”
Councillor Iris Andersen for St Marys ward said: “We are delighted to support the Dinner Jacket through our independent retailer grant program. It’s wonderful to see local businesses bringing new life to previously vacant shops. We look forward to seeing the Dinner Jacket grow and succeed.”
Test Valley Borough Council remains committed to supporting small businesses through various initiatives, including the Independent Retailer Grant program and the small business support service.
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.
For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk.