Camborne, Cornwall is a good place to do business

That’s according to the people who are now running The Styling Lounge, Chrissie Pearce Studios, Holmes and Gardens and Jojangles.

“I opened my previous shop in 2019 but trade has been so good I outgrew it,” said Jo Weller, who has just moved her Jojangles gift shop to bigger premises on the same road. “I’ve been rushed off my feet and have had to buy in more stock to keep pace with demand.”

Jo, who was born and bred in Camborne, says that doorstops, anklets and "Gonks" are all proving bestsellers – attractive, unique items that aren’t too expensive.

“I’ve noticed that customers are spreading the cost of Christmas by starting to buy now,” she said. “I offer a free gift-wrapping service that people really appreciate. Donations for the service, by those who can afford to make them, go to the Marie Curie charity and last year we raised £70.”

Jess Flynn ran his business in Bodmin, where he grew up, for more than seven years before deciding to set up The Styling Lounge in Camborne this spring.

“It’s been such a good move,” he said. “Business is excellent and there’s a great vibe here that made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. The local community has been very welcoming and there’s a strong sense of Camborne going places. I honestly think it’s the best town in Cornwall for a business like mine.”

Chrissie Pearce started her beauty business on Pool industrial estate in 2014. With 18 people now working in the company, she has just opened a new studio on Trelowarren Street.

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“The premises have been completely refurbished and, with private parking at the back, trade is better than I would ever have expected,” she said. “A beautician and a barber are both working in there, and by Christmas they’ll be joined by at least three nail technicians.

“I live locally and can’t rate Camborne highly enough. It’s great for public transport and the town centre is busy, always improving and very friendly. There’s a good variety of businesses here which makes it a worthwhile destination for anyone on a day out. From my perspective, it ticks all the boxes.”

Saranne Holmes used to run Holmes & Gardens from a market stall in Camborne but couldn’t the resist the opportunity of moving into her own shop when premises came up for rent.

“The landlady had done a complete refurbishment and it was easy to imagine displaying the new and pre-owned home and garden décor items I sell here,” she said. “Opening at the beginning of July was a dream come true and business has been good. I’ve got regular customers and their feedback has been 100% positive which makes me very happy.

“Camborne is special because the people are so friendly. I came to live here 15 years ago and love the fact that neighbours actually chat to each other. It’s a great place to live and work.”

The unanimous praise is music to BID manager Anna Pascoe’s ears.

“It’s wonderful to hear that the new and expanding businesses at the top of Trelowarren Street are doing so well,” she said. “Our loyalty card scheme has taken off since we launched it earlier this year and, combined with the many benefits that the £23.7m of Town Deal funding has already started generating, Camborne’s fortunes are definitely on the up.

“Phase 2 of our Town Deal Project A-Void scheme, which provides improvement grants for local businesses, launches this autumn and BID is planning to brand upper Trelowarren Street as the creative quarter.”