Sam Holliday, FSB Gloucestershire and West of England
Every successful and thriving town and city needs a retail and hospitality mix – one that combines some of the big national names we all know with the thriving, independent small businesses who give an area it’s charm and unique appeal. Thankfully, we have such a mix in Gloucester and in the city centre in particular there are loads of great examples of brilliant indie businesses that you won’t find anywhere else and which help to give the city it’s special aura  and strong community feel.
When you support your local Indies not only are you assured of great personal service but you know that the investment you make with them comes straight back into the local community. Independent businesses, often run by families, are very proud to be part of their community and employ local staff and use as many local suppliers as possible as well. So not only do they want their own businesses to thrive but they want their community to prosper as well and the more support we can all give them the more chance they will be able to serve us for many years to come, Â
Picking my favourite Gloucester indies is a tough ask but I will highlight just six from what could be a very long list. In the food and drink sector my favourite restaurant is the Nepalese Chef  (celebrating its tenth anniversary this year), I am a big fan of The Fountain Inn for its ambience as much as its excellent drinks choice and Caffe Corretto at the Docks is a wonderful place to relax and watch the world go by. On the high street The Candle Tree always stands out for its great products and beautiful displays and as a keen music and film fan I am so pleased Gloucester has its own independent record shop and cinema – hats off to both Vital Vinyl Signs and the Sherborne Cinema for keeping the independent flag flying in those arenas.
There are just so many others we could pick of course and that in itself tells a positive story. Gloucester is, historically a proudly independent city so it is only right that its independents in the town centre and beyond play their part in ensuring it remains a great and diverse place to live, work, visit, be entertained and to shop.
Long may it continue.Â
