LAST week the Barry & District News launched a campaign in a bid to support Barry's town centre businesses.

‘Your High Street: Use It Or Lose It’ aims to raise awareness of independent businesses, putting a spotlight on the produce, services and characters that bring the town to life.

Our campaign was launched in response to independent traders concerned about various factors affecting town centre footfall.

This week we have spoken to Fay Blakeley – one of High Street’s independent traders who believes the shopping quarter should be branded and promoted as a destination to boost fortunes and give visitors an enjoyable experience.

Her shop, Homemade Wales, on Island Road, sells gifts and homewares sourced from designers, artists and makers across Wales.

Mrs Blakeley, a brand and marketing specialist, said: “Two years ago, the opportunity to buy Homemade Wales presented itself. I decided to take up the challenge and see if I could apply my knowledge and skills to a small High Street business.

"High Street has a reputation for its ‘upscale’ independent shops. Having always worked in the creative industries, it felt like the most natural direction to take the business - to source products and artworks from individual designers, artists and makers.”

She said, unlike most gift shops, she worked with individual makers, artists and designers or other micro-businesses to source beautiful, unique stock for the shop.

Most customers look for beautifully made items that they’re not going to find in one of the larger chain stores.

She said customers could expect a friendly, personal service and free gift-wrapping from a family business.

Mrs Blakeley said: “The business is growing steadily. That said, it is a slow-burn. Social media has been a great help in getting the message out. Customers can see what we have in store and then visit to take a closer look - it’s the edge we have over online traders.

"Not all of my customers use social media so I’m careful to use more ‘traditional’ media such as newspaper press ads. We are keen to be seen as part of the community, and are active in supporting local schools and community groups.

"I still get new people who come into the shop and ask how long I’ve been here. It just proves that you have to keep marketing and doing your best to spread the word.

“We live in uncertain economic times, which is why I’m so passionate about encouraging the public to shop local and support their local high street. Unfortunately, independent shops, by their very nature, don’t have the same financial resilience as the large corporates.

“But, what we do have in our armour is flexibility and the ability to react to our customers’ needs and requests quickly and effectively.

"Independents pay their tax. That’s why campaigns such as ShopLocal and justacard.org and like this one in the Barry & District News are so important for towns. "If people don’t use their local high street, it won’t be there in five or 10 years’ time - it’s as simple as that.”

If you want to get involved in our campaign contact us on 01633 777221 or email barrynews@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk