Business: Community Concerns

Despite the recession, business along the Alcester Road is booming and, among the old stalwarts, a number of bright young things have recently appeared. 

‘Cafephilia’ in Moseley opened in June after local residents Anthony, his partner Ian and their friend Julie spotted an empty shop and turned it into their dream cafe. Getting acquainted with the espresso machine is Tracy, who owns the hair salon in the basement, another debut venture. “My four o’clock cancelled,” she says, “so I’m just doing the coffees.” 

This spirit of mutual support is also important to haberdashery ‘Guthrie & Ghani’, which opened in April. BBC ‘Sewing Bee’ finalist Lauren and husband Ayaz capitalised on Lauren’s high profile by bringing their successful online business to the high street. “We’ve been amazed by the enthusiastic welcome”, explains Ayaz, “It’s so helpful to chat to other businesses and share advice.”

York Road in Kings Heath has nurtured a number of new ventures this year. Beautician Christina, who opened ‘PC Parlour’ in March, explained why the support of other local businesses is so vital. “The hairdresser opposite sends people to me, and I recommend her to my customers”, she says. “It’s all about helping each other.”

This is echoed in family operation ‘I Used To Have One Of Those’, specialising in nostalgia and memorabilia, which opened in May. Three generations help run it, including nan Doris, whose knitted egg cosies are very popular. “We wanted it to have a really personal feel, to be part of the local community” daughter Julie explains. And community spirit is good for business too - grandson Luke says that “everyone leaves happy, with a smile on their face, and they all buy something.”

(Published in 'My Moseley and Kings Heath' July 2013)