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Funky Gifts to celebrate 10-year anniversary thanks to grant funding
Published: Friday, 14th May 2021
Becca and Anne Barker of Funky Gifts Colne
Funky Gifts of Colne is able to look forward to a decade in business, courtesy of two Government funded business grants.
Set up by married couple, Becca and Anne Barker, on June 12 2011, the business is based in the former Yorkshire Bank building and is one of biggest shops on the Colne high street.
They sell a wide range of unique and alternative gifts and also do body piercing.
The couple last year feared that they would not make their 10th business anniversary, but now are feeling a lot more positive about their recovery and future.
Speaking of the last year, Becca said: “When the first lockdown began to bite, I just cried and didn’t sleep because what we were earning was not enough to cover our outgoings. We just didn’t know what to do.
“When the Government announced the initial £10,000 business grant funding it gave us chance to breathe.”
Becca and Anne had always offered online sales but when the physical opening of their shop wasn’t possible, they introduced a click and collect and local delivery service to bolster sales.
Now open, they have continued with their click and collect service as some because some people remain anxious about visiting shops.
On the shop’s safety, Becca said: “We know customers have been worried about coming into the shop, but we are ultra-careful in ensuring we are Covid-secure.
“Hand sanitiser is available on entry, we have screens at the tills which are wiped down after every transaction, we wear masks, and maintain social distancing at all times.”
The survival and regeneration of Funky Gifts was met with praise from Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive.
Dean said: “It’s wonderful to hear about businesses that have been able to survive because of the grant funding we’ve provided.
“Funky Gifts have become a fixture on the Colne High Street, and we look forward to celebrating with them on June 12th, when they make it to 10 years in business.
“Grants are still available for both non-essential retail businesses and hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses to aid safe re-openings.
“We urge business owners to find out about the options available to them.”
Full details of support still available can be found at www.pendle.gov.uk/covidsupport
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