Totally Locally Bridport's Magic Tenner campaign focusses this week on longevity and new beginnings, highlighting some of West Street's independent businesses that have stood the test of time.

The businesses contribute enormously to the Bridport's financial health by supporting other businesses, and each has unique qualities that bring distinctiveness and vibrancy to the town.

In 1884 Edwin Smith founded his tailoring business on South Street, relocating to 8 West Street in 1923.

Smith & Smith stayed in the family until the 1950s, when the Wraight family took over and gradually expanded and modernised the business, now in the care of daughter Sue England.

The longest West Street resident goes back to 1896 when Tom Snook, also a tailor, established his business at number 18.

After moving to 30/32 as a men's clothier, the business evolved, through the passion of the founder's grandson Roger Snook, into the hat shop Bridport residents know today.

In 2010 Roger and his wife Monica launched Bridport's famous Hat Festival, bringing a wonderful sense of fun and celebration to the town every year. 

Several independent businesses can boast 30 years-plus serving the local community, including Steptoes, established in 1981 as a market stall and later moving to West Street in 1993; Carpet World, set up at number 52a West Street in 1984; nearby Health Foods, starting out on South Street in the late 1940s and arriving in West Street around 1970; while Fruits of the Earth has chalked up more than 36 years on Victoria Grove. 

Luke Gatehouse of Carpet World said that the longevity of his business works both ways and a "very loyal customer base" is key.

People who appreciate the quality and personal service they offer come back again and again, as finding a familiar and friendly face makes the shopping experience far more pleasurable and many people appreciate being able to support a local business which employs local people. 

Sue English, of Fruits of the Earth, feels that it's important to be reliable; their shop is open six days a week and they ensure people are listened to and able to ask questions and express their needs.

"Good relationships with their local suppliers" and "lovely staff" also contribute to being able to reliably deliver for their community.

More recently, Lavender Blue (2005) of Lilliput Lane, and Kernow Pantry (2008) have arrived, along with newer West Street businesses, including Pursuit of Hoppiness (2016), Moore Than Tea (2016), Gelateria Beppino (2017), and the Barber Shop (2019). 

Just over the river Brit at number 7 West Allington, D. Palmer began as a trader in 1970, and opened his camera shop in 2003.

Photographer Pete Millson, who started out in 1993, has been based in West Allington since 2015.

In 2018, bookbinder David Squirrell expanded his business by setting up the Ink & Page makers' shop in the iconic Victorian premises at 29a, originally built in 1845 for yet another Bridport tailor. 

Any history of Bridport businesses is incomplete without mentioning R.J. Balson & Son at number 9 West Allington, which according to the Institute for Family Business, is the oldest continually trading family business in the UK and has been in the same family since 1515 when it was one of 10 butchers stalls in the Shambles at the centre of Bridport. 

Sign up for Bridport's Totally Locally Magic Tenner Local Shopping Weeks

The Totally Locally Bridport team were pleased to hear Richard Balson's recent advice, published in the local press earlier this month.

His exhortation for new businesses to "prioritise your local community" chimes perfectly with Totally Locally's Magic Tenner Local Shopping Weeks, planned to take place in May.

The event is offering the chance for locals to win a range of products, experiences and services as a reward for regularly shopping locally. It's hoped that the campaign will introduce shoppers to businesses new to them and promote the wealth and range of what's on offer in Bridport.

If you are a local independent business wanting to join the Magic Tenner Local Shopping Weeks, email [email protected] for details.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 14.

What is the Magic Tenner message?

The 'Magic Tenner' campaign is part of the national Totally Locally 'Town Kit', which was created by brand expert Chris Sands.

The 'Town Kit' is a free-to-use, grass-roots resource which towns across the UK and internationally have used successfully to bring life back to their high streets. 

The idea behind it is, that if shoppers spend £10 in a shop that sells goods from local producers, the amount of money that goes back into the local economy can be over £50.

For example:

• Imagine picking up a pie for your lunch
• If you buy a local-made pie from a local shop, a big part of your money is passed on to the local piemaker
• The shop employs a local accountant or even a decorator. In turn, the piemaker, who sources his ingredients from a local farm, spends a big percentage of his money with the farmer 
• The farmer then spends some of his money at his local garage, and so on...

With each step, about 80% of each spend goes into the local economy.

The Magic Tenner Campaign helps businesses to show just how many local suppliers they have with simple posters, banners and messages and encourages all local, independent businesses to get involved – whether they are on the high street or not. 

For more details, visit totallylocally.org/2015/02/the-magic-tenner-message