New Andover store collects first Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council
A new business in Andover has received the first instalment of their Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) after ‘Collecteebles’ moved into the Chantry Centre at the end of 2022 after trading for two years online.
Owner, Curtis Tee, applied for an Independent Retailer Grant from TVBC, which gives independently owned retailers a total of £1,200 to take up vacant space.
The business sells a range of collectible items and trading cards items, as well as games.
Cllrs Iris Andersen and Jan Budzynski, both from Andover St Mary’s Ward, presented Curtis with the cheque.
Cllr Andersen said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to give Curtis the first part of the Independent Retailer Grant and hope this will help his business. ‘Collecteebles’ is quite unique in Andover and the more shops we have in our town centre the better. I wish Curtis luck and hope his business thrives here.”
Cllr Budzynski added: “It’s great when any new business opens in Test Valley, and I’m pleased the council could help Curtis take over an empty premises in the town centre. I look forward to watching Collecteebles’ progress and hope it has a long future in Andover.”
Curtis Tee, owner of Collecteebles, commented: “‘The business has grown at a rapid rate and with the grant, we hope to make improvements to the social area of the shop and extend our reach so more people know about our wonderful, in shop, community. The shop offers space to meet others and ultimately play and learn the card games they love. The council have been incredible at helping the business take the steps needed to get started in a brick-and-mortar location.
“I would just like to make a notable thank you to Sue Wilson, Nicky Hornsby, and the rest of the team for their amazing support. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Collecteebles and would like to thank all the customers for supporting us as a business.”
Recipients of the £1,200 grant first receive £600 after three months of trading and a further £600 six months later. To be eligible for the grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit which has been vacant for at least one month.
Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants, and cafes.
These funds have become available to the community as a consequence of the council’s prudent investments and financial management.