New shops open at former factory site
Two new firms opened at a Staffordshire development. Card and gift shop Daisey Chain and D4E Coffee Shop had their official openings at The Lightworks – the former Lucas factory site in Hednesford.
Two new firms opened at a Staffordshire development. Card and gift shop Daisey Chain and D4E Coffee Shop had their official openings at The Lightworks – the former Lucas factory site in Hednesford.
Dave Summers, aged 25, and his fiancee, Emma Bowler, 22, who live in Stafford and plan to marry at the Moat House in Acton Trussell next year, have invested in a new business. The shop specialises in coffees, including its own blend, provided by Has Bean Coffee of Seighford.
It also has teas and pastries from Tennants Bakery of Hednesford.
Dave had decided to leave his job as a senior accounts manager with Lloyds TSB after he had become disillusioned with the financial industry.
He said: "I got really fed up with the banking sector and have wanted to do this for about three years but never had the guts until now.
"Emma was a residential children's worker before, so it is a big change for both of us but the feedback we've had is that this is something Hednesford needs and we aim to provide a good service at affordable prices."
Carol Moran, 50, and Jackie Ross, 38, who both live locally, decided Hednesford deserved their card and gift shop.
The sisters-in-law formulated the idea more than two years ago but had been unable to put it into practice until they attended an open day at The Lightworks in Market Street.
Following this, they thought it was the right location for the project.
Jackie said: "We wanted to do something for ourselves and the local economy.
"We both love going to classic gift shops and thought that was something lacking in this area.
"The Lightworks is nice and modern and it felt right for us."
Fred Pritchard, the chairman and chief executive of Pritchard Group plc, the developer behind the Lightworks project, said: "We wish Dave and Emma and Carol and Jackie exceptional luck in the forming of their new and up-and-coming businesses."
Other businesses to have opened at the £3m Lightworks development, which was launched on St George's Day, include children's wear shop Lincoln's and Anglesey Antiques and Collectables.
