Go Fudge shop front revamp backed by council grant
A popular local business, Go Fudge, has installed eye-catching signage at its High Street premises after being awarded £999 from Test Valley Borough Council’s Andover town centre frontage grant scheme.
The retailer, run by sisters Ashlyn Edwards and Laurien Griffiths, specialises in handmade fudge, sweets, gifts and baked goods. After moving from Portway Business Park to 49 High Street at the end of October 2025, the business has seen an incredible response from customers. What was once primarily an online venture is now a thriving High Street store, attracting visitors from as far as Southampton and Salisbury.
Councillor Iris Andersen said: “It’s fantastic to see independent businesses like Go Fudge opening in Andover town centre. The frontage grant scheme is all about supporting our High Street and helping retailers create attractive spaces that draw people in. Ashlyn and Laurien have done a wonderful job, and I wish them every success.”
Ashlyn Edwards, co-owner of Go Fudge, added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support since moving into the High Street. The frontage grant has made a huge difference in helping us create a shopfront that reflects our brand and welcomes customers. We love being part of the Andover community and can’t wait to grow our business here.”
Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “The frontage grant scheme plays an important role in our wider plans to regenerate Andover. We’ve had strong interest from local businesses, with more than ten applications currently in the pipeline. By supporting these improvements, we’re helping to create a welcoming town centre while we deliver the bigger projects like the new theatre and riverside park.”
The Andover Town Centre and High St Shop and Frontage Grant was developed by TVBC in collaboration with the Andover BID and Andover Town Council. Each project is led by the business, with the grant supporting improvements to enhance Andover town centre. The scheme sits alongside the wider regeneration programme, including the new theatre and riverside park, all aimed at increasing footfall and supporting the local economy.
These town centre grants are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
For more information about the Andover Town Centre Frontage Grant scheme, visit Andover Town Centre Frontage Grant | Test Valley Borough Council