Exciting campaign shows off vibrant independents in Chichester

‘Proudly Independent. Proudly Chichester’ has been launched by Chichester BID as part of Independent Retailer Month aiming to celebrate and showcase the numerous and vibrant range of indie businesses and their owners in the city.

The bold initiative aims to celebrate and support Chichester’s independent business owners, while creating a deeper connection between the local community and the unique spirit of the city’s independent business scene.

Helen Marshall, CEO and Chair of Chichester BID, told of her pride in the thriving independent businesses.

She said: “Chichester’s city centre is made up of a fabulous tapestry of national chains and independent businesses. However, it is our indies that really give the city its unique character and offers shoppers and visitors a one-of-a-kind experience.

"The campaign will highlight the passion, talent, and dedication of the business owners who have created truly distinctive offerings that set Chichester apart.

"And this is just the start,” she added, “we have more plans in the pipeline to showcase Chichester’s independent business community.

“The ‘Proudly Independent. Proudly Chichester’ campaign is an invitation for locals to connect with and support these independent business owners who have faced challenging conditions in recent years.

"By fostering familiarity and showcasing the faces behind these enterprises, Chichester BID hopes to inspire a sense of community and encourage residents to choose local and support the remarkable businesses that make Chichester thrive.”

Chichester BID collaborated closely with a number of independent business owners, delving into their business stories and showcasing their establishments through a series of videos that give viewers a chance to meet the people behind each business and get an insight into what each of them has on offer. The videos will feature on the BID’s social media channels and website throughout the month of July.

Teaming up with Sussex World and Maxwell Media, the BID produced one video (see about) which took a look at what independent’s thought about trading in the city.

Diversity, innovation and strong community support all help to make Chichester a thriving place to do business, according many of the business owners.

Speaking to this newspaper, Carolyn Sweeney, owner of Creations Hair Salon in South Street said of the business community: “It’s just amazing. There’s lots of independents here. I have got a team of 28 people that have worked here. We train our own people and we cross and share with other businesses, you know, so it’s a great city to work in.”

Award-winning beauty specialist, Jane Bulbeck, based in St Pancras, has lived and worked all over the world but said the city had a special draw to it.

She said: “I just find it a magical little place and I love the fact that it’s a little community here. You really feel like you’re part of something. Everybody supports each other, all the independents, and we all get together and we use each others services and businesses.

"People say, ‘what’s the competition’ and I say ‘it isn’t, we are all different’, and that’s what I love about Chichester – we all support and fly the flag for each other and it’s all about that really. Working together in a community and collaborating, and that’s what I love about Chichester.”

Phil Jull, owner of the Pass Café in Deanery Farm Lane, just off South Street, said the city is looking in good shape, adding: “There’s a lot of new blood at the moment. New-style modern businesses that I think will thrive because they’ve got a quality product.

"I think people have realised that it’s not an easy ride – you have got to have a good product and really believe in it.”

Steve Jenkinson, founder and owner of Vintro Chichester, an affordable retro fashion store on South Street with a strong emphasis on sustainability, shared his thoughts on the campaign, saying: “Chichester BID’s ‘Proudly Independent. Proudly Chichester’ campaign holds a special meaning for me.

"Having grown up in the area, I’ve always admired the independent spirit that flourished on the high street. It’s what makes Chichester unique and vibrant. Later, during my time in Manchester, I fell in love with the retro pre-loved clothing trade in the Northern Quarter. I knew that Chichester needed a similar space, especially for its young people and growing student population. When I to the area in 2021, I saw an opportunity to turn my passion into reality, and thus Vintro Chichester was born.

“As an independent business owner, I understand the challenges we face and the importance of initiatives like this campaign. It’s not just about promoting our individual businesses, it’s about celebrating and supporting the entire independent business community.

"The campaign provides a platform for us to connect with the local community as well as each other as independent owners. I am proud to be part of this campaign and to contribute to the array of independent businesses in Chichester. By coming together, we can create a thriving and vibrant high street that truly represents the heart of our city.”

The campaign has been made possible through the generous support of its principal sponsor, independent accountancy firm Blue Spire Ltd, whose Director, Katie Wilson, described the city’s independents as the ‘backbone of our city’s economy and community’.

She said: “We are proud to champion them whilst also supporting many of the owners with their accountancy and bookkeeping needs. Chichester BID has also been working closely with V2 Radio and Sussex World who are supporting the campaign.

You can find a full list of Chichester’s independent businesses here: Chichester Buzz