During the past year, Hailsham has welcomed a range of new businesses, resulting in there currently being a small number of empty retail units in the town centre which compares well to current national averages.
Deputy Town Clerk and Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira said: “The percentage of vacant commercial units in Hailsham currently falls below the current regional and national averages, which is excellent news for the town. Hailsham is the place to be and there has been a marked improvement in the number of empty shops in the town centre which has fallen considerably this year, despite the pandemic.”
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook has officially opened a succession of new businessess in the town, which have included Hailsham Barbers in the High Street, Sweet Tooth in Market Square, 847847 Taxis and Sweethearts Party Boutique in George Street, Flowers By Maybugs in Vicarage Field, Hay’s Cafe in Diplocks Way and Happy Paws and Simply Weigh in St Mary’s Walk.
Delighted to see Hailsham’s business activity strengthening and hoping to see even more new businesses open in the future, Cllr Holbrook said: “The Town Council and Hailsham Forward have key priorities to work with local businesses to deliver plans to help address the issue of empty shops further and work towards a 100% occupancy rate for retail and business units.”
“While the two lockdowns and other COVID-19 protection measures have meant that most mayoral functions had to be cancelled this year, I have attended many new shop openings and it’s wonderful to have been asked to cut the ribbon for the various new businesses.”
“Additionally, and it’s great to see enterprising people continue to set up businesses in our town, despite the pandemic which has affected the local economy to such a considerable degree. We have an increasingly vibrant town centre – and the opening of these new businesses is a great addition!”
“I wish these new businesses every success in the future.”
Cllr Holbrook added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say that what we must all remember, is that local independent businesses are an asset to our community, and it is important that we support our local economy by purchasing goods and services from them whenever possible rather than relying on just the larger out-of-town stores and service providers.”
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk