11/12/12 Reece Jones at his new gym The Dog House by Geoff Merryweather2012 has seen another successful year for new businesses opening their doors in and around Uttoxeter.
Despite the aftermath of the recession and the high rate of unemployment, some people have seized the opportunity to own a business in the town bringing a wider variety of businesses to the area.
In January LJR Signs & Graphics opened up on the Dovefields Industrial Estate offering a fun and unique way for disabled people to jazz up their wheelchairs — inspired by owner’s Jason Tutley son’s own experience.
Back in February Buttercross B&B was opened in Abbots Bromley by Jayne Rabone after full-filling her dreams of running her own bed and breakfast after moving to the village with husband Michael.
In April DJ Tyres and Exhausts opened on Dovefields Industrial Estate, inspired by the co-owners Martin Tomlinson terminally ill wife Debbie Jane, who the business was named after.
In July, Kim Winstanley took over as the masseuse at the Big Top Fun Centre which is also the home of Uttoxeter Gymnastics Club. Faye Mawer also opened her new photography business, PhotograFaye, at her Swallow Close home, allowing her to pursue her dream career while caring for her four children.
Former Uttoxeter hairdresser Karen Owen turned her passion for food into a new career offering perfect catering for a variety of occasions in the form of Soiree Food at her home in Moisty Lane, Marchington, in September.
In October a photography studio with a difference offer some Hollywood glamour in Uttoxeter opened in the High Street in August. Starphoto offers a fresh, fun and new approach to having a professional picture taken.
Stubby Lane Diner, at unit 14 on Marchington Industrial Estate, was also opened this month offering traditional baguettes as well as healthier options.
November saw a new leisure facility open in the town in the form of an ice rink on the Cinebowl development in Dovefields Retail Park, off Town Meadows Way. The company behind the project own and run 15 ice arena venues across the UK under the Planet Ice and Silver Blades names, including the Leisure Box development in Birmingham.
Old Bakehouse in Duffield Lane, Newborough, was also opened this month after an historic building was transformed into a thriving coffee shop and B&B.
In December Thai @ The Bank has set up home in The Bank House Hotel in Church Street offering authentic Thai food. Uttoxeter boxer Reece ‘Rampage’ Jones also opened The Dog House Heavy Weight Gym at Unit 7 at Bramshall Industrial Estate this month.
