Vincents’ support for Garstang businesses
Trio of deals for thriving Lancashire town
Vincents Solicitors has helped support three independent businesses in the Lancashire market town of Garstang. The trio of deals is clear demonstration of the town’s vibrancy according to Vincent’s head of commercial law, Mark Alexander.
Vincents was originally established in Garstang and, while the firm’s headquarters has since moved to Preston, it still has offices in Bridge Street. Mark Alexander said: “There’s a lot happening in Garstang at the moment with new businesses opening and existing ones expanding and changing hands, and we’re very pleased to be able to play a part in that.
“It’s a hub for small independents, with fantastic support from the local community and visitors from across the region. It has a real vibrant feel and there are very few empty units available within the town, bucking the national trend of high streets full of vacant shops. Garstang is, and always has been, an important area for our firm, and we’re keen to provide whatever support we can to the local community, whether that is for local businesses or individuals needing support.”
Mark’s team provided lease advice to the owner of the new Skippy in the Well book shop in Bridge Street, and to Montgomery and Burrows Opticians on their move from Bridge Street into the old HSBC unit on High Street.
Vincents also helped retailer Chris Montgomery with his management buyout of car accessories shop Car Care in High Street, and is now advising on the acquisition of the premises. Chris Montgomery worked for Car Care for 18 years before acquiring the business from former boss Jim Wrathall.
He said: “An MBO was always the plan but even so, it’s a complex process. Vincents helped make it as straightforward and simple as they could and the next step is for them to help me purchase the premises too. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and I’m pleased that Jim has stayed on working part time and we’re hoping to take on one or two new members of staff in the coming months, so it’s all going well.”
Montgomery and Burrows set up in Bridge Street in 2010. Having outgrown the premises, the owners Lisa Montgomery and Paula Burrows made the decision to move and found the ideal unit in the High Street. Paula said: “We needed more space and better access, and the new premises gives us both. This is two or three times bigger and so we can stock more frames and accessories, giving customers better choice, and we have a ramp instead of steps so we’re much more wheelchair and buggy friendly. It’s a great move and the team at Vincents were really great in helping to make it happen.”
Skippy in the Well is a new independent bookshop for readers of all ages. It was set up by former teacher Sally-Anne Fraser, who chose Garstang because of its strong community support and independent nature. She said: “The town has a really great vibe and the businesses are mainly independents so I knew it was the ideal place to open my shop. The response so far has been amazing with lots of customers and some people just coming in to say hi and welcome.
“I thought it was important to use a local solicitor so approached Vincents, which has a branch opposite my shop, who brought in their commercial property team from Preston. I feel like I got the best of both worlds by staying local and getting advice from the firm’s specialists.
“As a new business owner I’ve never dealt with taking a lease before. The lawyers at Vincents were really good at answering my questions and explained everything, especially about my responsibilities as a leaseholder, something I didn’t know before. I felt they were doing all the hard work for me so I could concentrate on choosing the books and décor, and planning events for the shop.”
ENDS
Pictured
Vincents’ Mark Alexander takes a look at the new Montgomery & Burrows with owners Lisa Montgomery and Paula Burrows