The number of new retailers and business start-ups is on the up in Swansea, new figures reveal.
Figures from Swansea Council show 11 shop units in the city centre have been taken up by retailers since the start of October.
Zara, Slaters, Miss Selfridge, Schuh, Animal, Hawkins Bazaar and Viyella are among the stores to have recently opened to join the 260 existing city centre stores. Country Casuals, H & M, Stylex and Roberto Durville have also committed to the city centre.
In a further sign that the local retail economy is improving, existing retailers are taking the opportunity to invest in upgrading the appearance of their properties through the successful building enhancement programme.
And on top of that, Business Centre Swansea has helped 76 businesses start up since April. The team has dealt with more than 800 queries in the last eight months.
The visits and calls to Business Centre Swansea range from people making an initial inquiry to those looking to build and develop business plans or grow their enterprise.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “It’s been a tough time for retailers and developers across the UK and beyond but recent months have given us fresh hope in Swansea.
“We’ve been working in partnership with Hammerson, the Welsh Assembly and other partners to make the city centre more attractive to retailers and shoppers. The likes of the Quadrant bus station redevelopment, building enhancements and new street furniture all make the city centre more appealing.
“As a result, leading stores are opening up across the city centre and this shows a huge vote of confidence in Swansea during turbulent economic times.
“We know there are still tough times ahead and there is much more work to do but the recent investment in Swansea is encouraging and we want to build on these successes.”
Cllr Holley added the business start-ups would provide a solid foundation for the local economy.
He said: “It’s great to see people are still looking to either start their own businesses or strengthen their existing ventures.
“These are local people developing local companies which has to be good news for our economy in Swansea. We want these entrepreneurs to develop their business in Swansea and provide local jobs for local people.
“We will continue to provide support and expertise to them so that they can have the confidence to stay inSwansea for many years.”
Have a look at www.swanseacitycentre.com or www.businesscentreswansea.com for more information.
