Shoppers and businesses at Pop Up Poole.
Pop Up Poole is the ideal setting for new start-up businesses, budding entrepreneurs and social enterprises who are considering trading in the high street to gain valuable experience of selling their products without the financial burden of paying rent and business rates. The shop, located at 58 High Street, has been leased by Borough of Poole and over the next four months it will host a series of individual showcases that demonstrate the variety of talent that exists in Poole. According to the council it is already proving a real hit with shoppers.
Opened in September, the pop-up shop has previously been occupied by the Wheelie Great Bike Factory (TWGBF), and is now home to Sign-it, Culture Riot, Fog Beauty and artwork from Fresh Talent. Over the coming months more individuals and businesses will use the shop including 15 Days in Clay, Chestnut Nursery, the Arts University Bournemouth and the Explora Science, Technology and Discovery Centre. In addition the shop will also be used by the Driving Urban Enterprise (DUET) programme which focuses on helping people to start a business.
Councillor Peter Adams, Mayor of Poole, who officially opened Pop Up Poole last week said: “This fantastic initiative provides new business start-ups with the opportunity to test out new ideas and products in a high street location. Since its launch in September this pop-up shop is going from strength-to-strength and I hope more people will take up this amazing opportunity.”
Pop Up Poole is being provided in partnership between Borough of Poole and The New Leaf Company (the Social Enterprise arm of Bournemouth Churches Housing Association). Funded by the council, the initiative has seen a previously long-term vacant shop being brought back into use helping the vitality and viability of Poole town centre.
Councillor Elaine Atkinson, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole, said: “It is fantastic that the council has been able to work in partnership with New Leaf to create this exciting innovative space on the High Street. Pop Up Poole is providing local people, social enterprises and start-ups the opportunity to take their first steps in retail in a free and safe environment.”
Hannah Allen, Head of Commercial and Social Enterprise at The New Leaf Company, said: “This represents a fantastic opportunity for the Social Enterprise community to engage directly with the general public. I’d like to invite any like-minded organisation to contact us to see how they too can take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase their organisation.”
For more information and to arrange a free short term lease please contact Matthew Robson, Senior Economic Development Officer, m.robson@poole.gov.uk or 01202 633301.
