Looking at Ferryhill’s town centre tells its own story, writes volunteer community journalist, Mona Schulze: more and more empty shop fronts, while remaining businesses struggle with funding cuts, reduced trade and footfall.
In response, local shop owners came to a simple conclusion – what the town’s businesses need most is unity.
Out of this idea, the Ferryhill Business Community Hub was founded earlier this year by Michael Hetherington, landlord of The Ivorson and Dan, owner of Dan the Van home removals.
“It started with a conversation in the pub over a few drinks discussing how we could help to support each other’s businesses and to help make Ferryhill better,” says Melanie Robson, owner of Mel’s Travel, who helped promote the idea wider.
Ferry-help
For her and for many shop owners in Ferryhill it feels like “a deprived area with a lot of funding cuts and no support from our county council.”
Perhaps it is these shared challenges that have brought local businesses even closer together – knowing that they are not alone.
“It feels good to know that a lot of local businesses face the same struggles in uncertain times,” said the group.
Working together has become more important than ever.
The group’s aim is to grow stronger together and create a positive impact on the town.
Members do this by using each other’s services, shopping locally whenever possible and promoting fellow businesses.
“It’s great that we can all get together and come up with ways to support each other while also benefitting local charities and the community as a whole,” they added.
Growing together
The group held its first meeting in April, bringing together representatives from twelve local businesses, including Mel’s Travel, The Ivorson Pub, Northeast Stairlifts and Dan the Van.
“The first meeting was a little bit challenging as we were finding our feet,” they recall. Nevertheless, the response exceeded expectations.
“We were pleasantly surprised to see how many local businesses felt the same as us and were keen to get on board.”
Now, the group meets on every first Wednesday of the month. With 15 members, it has already used its membership fees to support three local charities – an achievement they are particularly proud of.
“We are delighted that the original members have continued to attend and share the same passion and aims as us to make Ferryhill better for all.”
“Ferryhill Shouldn’t Be a Forgotten Town”
The group is currently working hard to attract new members, particularly larger businesses: “We have emailed the bigger companies such as the Co-op, Sainsburys, Greggs etc; However still waiting on responses.”
The group’s goal remains clear: “Supporting more local charities and creating a positive support network for each other.”
One of their current projects is improving the decorations in the town centre, including the coming Christmas lights.
While many town centres continue to struggle, the group believes Ferryhill still has plenty to offer. But they also believe the town’s future depends largely on its residents: “We would love to have the community use more local businesses, trades and services and to see us as a positive outlook that Ferryhill can be a great place.” they say.
According to the group, shopping locally would benefit Ferryhill in two ways.
First, it would strengthen the local economy: “The busier that businesses get, the more staff that will be required, creating jobs in Ferryhill.”
Secondly, it would give local businesses a stronger platform to drive change in Ferryhill. “It gives us a louder voice to encourage the county council and wider government that Ferryhill shouldn’t be a forgotten town.
The next group meeting has been postponed by a week, so will be on Wednesday, 8 July at 7pm at The Ivorson pub. It is open to all businesses in the town.
Mona Schulze
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
