THE NOTTINGHAM
JUNE 2014
INDIES GIVE NOTTINGHAM THE EDGE
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or its relatively modest size, the city of Nottingham boasts an unusually high number of great independent stores, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. And it’s this unique phenomenon that gives Nottingham the edge over its rivals, according to the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) – whose remit is to help make the city the number one destination for visitors in the East Midlands region and beyond. As BID director Geoff Williams, owner of the highly successful independent gift shop The Tokenhouse, Bridlesmith Gate, observes, customers get a much more rewarding experience when they avoid the big chains and try the alternative. He explains: “You get a much more individual experience with independents, with local proprietors who know the area and know the people. The difference is clear for customers – they know they’re experiencing something they’re not necessarily familiar with. It’s a much more inventive experience. “We do have a disproportionate amount of independents in Nottingham, many more than most cities this size. It’s so important for us to have this seabed of independent businesses. And of course, some of them will also grow into much bigger concerns. “Paul Smith was just a little independent
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PLUS shop when I first knew it, and now look at it. The Independent sector is an important proving ground for new ideas.” Geoff believes the public need to be encouraged to give our independents their support for a more innovative experience. He explains: “Being shown new ideas is very important, otherwise many innovations never see the light of day. It’s all about the shock of the new! “And don’t forget, the money spent with an independent stays locally. For instance, if I need an electrician at my shop, I’ll use someone I know in the city. A big chain will probably have its own contractor that could be from anywhere in the country. With independents, everything stays local – what goes around, comes around.” And, crucially, an independent store or restaurant is much more in tune with its
customer’s needs than a major multiple. “As independents, we’re nearer to the customer,” Geoff says. “It’s much easier for my staff to tell me what customers are saying. The chain of communication is so much shorter, so we can react much more quickly. “We can also buy from much smaller companies and take more risks. If you imagine, someone comes up with a great new product and goes to a big name store to try and sell it, they’re going to find it difficult to convince that store to stock it without having tried it out first. It’s different with independents. “If someone is at an experimental stage of developing a range, we can try it. That’s what makes shopping at an independent more engaging. The public will see so many more new and interesting ideas.”
FASHIONABLE FOOD E xperience award-winning cuisine from around the world thanks to Nottingham’s mouth-watering mix of vibrant independent cafés and restaurants.
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MEET OUR INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2013
HEAD OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AND EXPLORE OUR UNIQUE CITY
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A DAY IN THE CITY ENJOY A TYPICAL DAY IN BUZZING NOTTINGHAM
There’s a dish to suit every palate, with venues specialising in delicious dishes from India, China, Thailand, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, France, Japan, Brazil and, of course, Britain amongst the highlights.
For a taste of the best, turn to our food and drink listings section now 1
HIDDEN GEMS
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