DESPITE the outlook being bleak for many retailers business in Bromyard continues to buck the trend and go from strength to strength.

In December 2010 the Malvern Gazette and the Ledbury Reporter both revealed how 18 businesses had opened in the previous 18 months and more than a year later they all remain open, with the addition of beauty salon Beauty on Broad Street, which opened before Christmas, while dress agency Too B Frocked has moved into bigger premises in Broad Street.

Some of the other businesses range from the Bromyard Barber Shop to Foxy’s Steak Bar and the HOPE Family Centre’s charity craft shop, the HOPE Emporium.

Bromyard and District Chamber of Commerce’s vice–chairman Ray Whittaker said their continued success helps to create and enhance the town’s community spirit.

He said: “They are totally bucking the trend of high streets at the moment and it makes it quite a nice place to live.

“It could be down to a bit of personal service, friendly staff who know the locals and welcome new people into the shops.

“Plus, we have a lot of festivals in Bromyard, there’s something every month through the year.”

Helen Huckle, senior partner of Too B Frocked, said: “I think it’s doing well because we have got some beautiful things on offer.

“Part of our success is to do with us inviting all in and everyone being treated the same.

“We are thrilled with the response we have had and hope it continues. If you are local to Bromyard and you can get into town you can come for the day now, have lunch, walk about and do some shopping, which is lovely. You don’t have to go out of town now.”

Mayor Nigel Davis added: “It’s nice to see the town is being supported by locals. That’s what we have to continue doing and there’s not a lot you can’t get in Bromyard. We are thriving.”