Stalls to highlight town’s hidden gems

Small businesses are taking part in a project to try to make shoppers and visitors to Newark more aware of its hidden gems.

The Pride of Newark project will today see a cluster of stalls on Newark Market dedicated to some of the town’s independent shops.

It is hoped the stalls will become a regular feature and encourage people to visit shops and businesses a little off the beaten track.

It is being coordinated by a reinvigorated Newark Business Club retail group.

Mrs Michelle Allen, vice-chairman of the business club, said: “The way Newark is laid out, there is no big high street like you get in a city so you get these hidden gems that are tucked away.

“We want to let everybody know where they are and what they do.

“The business club has always had a retail group but it has disappeared a bit over the years and we are trying to reinvigorate it and get more businesses involved.”

The stalls will run for a minimum of four weeks but will continue for longer if successful.

Businesses taking part tomorrow are G. H. Porter Provisions, Gannets, Newark Embroidery, Home Inspirations, Riad, Arcade Suites and Marshall Arts Jewellery.

They will inform shoppers about their products and services, and have a selection of goods on sale.

Mrs Allen said: “We have got eight stalls for week one and many of those are committed for the full four-week period.

“We can do more than eight stalls if other businesses come forward wanting to be involved.

“Businesses are finding it a challenge at the moment, which is why we are trying to do something a bit new.

“They are building up to Christmas and we want a good Christmas so we would like it to last until then.”

Mr Mitch Forster, the owner of G. H. Porter Provisions, said: “I think it is a great idea to make the people of Newark aware of the independent local businesses they have.

“As the project title says, we are the pride of Newark.”