Business Wales support helps fire up Aberdare stove shop
New Aberdare retailer, the Aberdare 1 Stop Fire and Stove Shop, has got off to a roaring start with help from Business Wales, the Welsh Government’s business support service for start-up and existing businesses. The business exceeded its sales targets in its first year of trading and is well on course for further growth and plans to create three new local jobs this year.
Aberdare 1 Stop Fire and Stove Shop officially opened its doors on 31st January 2015. The business is owned by Cathy Jones who invested her own savings to buy stock. It sells British-made multi-fuel and wood burning stoves and accessories.
With most of its sales coming via word of mouth from satisfied customers, owner Cathy Jones says the shop’s success is down to providing a high quality product combined with excellent service with a personal touch.
Cathy said: “The feedback from customers has been great. It’s a friendly and welcoming environment where people can come in and chat to me and find out more. We have a fire burning in the shop so people can see how safe, attractive and cosy these stoves are. It gives off a much more clean and natural heat which is better for the environment and is cost-effective too. My customers agree and many of them have told me that they’ve saved money on heating since they’ve had a stove installed.”
Cathy turned to Business Wales for support to start the business and found it gave her the boost she needed. “It gave me confidence to be able to get back into meeting customers and doing all of the paperwork which comes with running a business. The training courses and one-to-one sessions were really informative and it was good to meet other people in the same boat.
“My business adviser has been excellent; he helped me with my business plan and I know he’s there to help with any questions or anything else I need. If he’s passing the shop, he’ll pop in to see how things are going. It’s a great back-up service and I’m grateful it’s there,” said Cathy.
Prices for stoves start from £450 upwards. The company offers a free no obligation initial survey to determine measurements, the most suitable materials, and stove and chimney system to suit both home and budget.
Business Wales is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. To find out how Business Wales can help start or develop your business, call 03000 6 03000, follow @_businesswales or @_busnescymru or visit www.businesswales.gov.wales or www.busnescymru.llyw.cymru for further information.
The Aberdare 1 Stop Fire and Stove Shop is located at 18 Duke Street, Aberdare and can also be contacted via its Facebook page www.facebook.com/aberdare1stopfireandstoveshop or 01685 267216.
