New fabric and wool shop in Andover supported by a £1200 council grant
A new independent fabric and wool shop has opened in the Chantry Centre, adding a vibrant and creative touch to Andover’s high street. Sew Confused Fabrics, owned by local entrepreneur Laura Waters, is being supported by an Independent Retailer Grant of £1200 from Test Valley Borough Council.
The grant will help Laura invest in new stock and marketing activity to raise awareness of the shop and attract more visitors to the Chantry Centre.
Laura previously worked for the NHS and successfully ran an online fabric business, building a loyal customer base — many of whom are local collected their orders directly from her home. Encouraged by this support, she decided to take on a retail unit that had been vacant for some time, bringing it back into use and offering a new destination for craft and sewing enthusiasts within Andover town centre.
Laura said, “I'm very grateful for the small business Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council. I’ll be using the grant to help in purchasing new stock for my lovely customers and to reach new people in the surrounding towns and cities to help bring business to my shop, the Chantry Centre and to Andover as a whole.”
St Mary’s ward councillor Iris Andersen said: “We’re delighted to support Laura through our Independent Retailer Grant scheme. It’s fantastic to see a previously empty unit in the Chantry Centre brought back to life by a passionate local entrepreneur. Supporting small businesses like Laura’s is key to revitalising our high streets.”
The Independent Retailer Grant is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth across the borough. It provides £1200 in two tranches to businesses moving into empty town centre premises.