Businesses in Upwell going up a level

A West Norfolk village enterprise has taken business up to the next level with expansion which sees two more independent traders join the party.

Uptown Fun Emporium diversified during the pandemic when its core business of supplying party goods was badly hit.

The owners Lee and Oona Robinson invited local crafters to sell their hand-made and exclusive products via their Town Street shop in Upwell.

Now the first floor of the building is home to two new village businesses, a boutique and a professional photographer.

Mrs Robinson said: “The pandemic was a disaster for the entire party industry. It’s been slow to get back to its previous level and we are delighted with the craft and hand-made items that we are stocking from local producers.

"But we had a floor of the building that wasn’t really doing anything so we decided put it to good use.”

Wendy Hinde’s Swallowtail Pet Photography and Cinders Boutique, owned by Diane Newsome, are now both trading from their new home and all three businesses hope to profit from the partnership.

Mrs Robinson said: “It has been very hard for all businesses and we hope that by working together we can all benefit as the world of retail slowly opens again.

"It will be a long time before any of us are at pre-pandemic levels, but we have lots of good things planned for the future and hope returning and new customers will appreciate the additions.

“The response has been great and we have some really talented crafters alongside our party products on the ground floor and then two new enterprises on the first floor. It has to be good news for the village and surrounding area.

“We are currently gearing-up for Halloween which is a popular time for both children’s parties and adult events and then it’s full steam ahead for Christmas.”