A JEWELLERY business in Andover has been awarded a council grant which will allow it to spread the word about its products.

Junction Road Curiosities has taken up a space in Andover BID’s new shared shop based in the Chantry Centre, and is one of the latest businesses to be bolstered by a £250 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.

Jewellery maker Lucie Nutton started a part-time business making and selling jewellery after leaving a role in administration and project management.

The jewellery is promoted via social media, free hamper draws and workshops. The shared shop has given her the opportunity to attract some of the town centre footfall. The financial boost will help with distributing flyers, better signage, publicity and general marketing costs.

She said: “It is great to have a base for my jewellery business in the town centre, where people can come and browse. The grant will help towards my marketing costs enabling me to work on raising awareness of my business.”

Ward member Cllr Victoria Harber, who presented the cheque to Lucie, said: “I wish Lucie every success with promoting her homemade jewellery business, the shared shop is a fantastic way to enable small businesses to have a high street presence, and the grants are a great help to support new businesses launches.”

The council’s Independent Retailer Grant is available to anyone looking to set up their own full-time business in Test Valley, occupiers of the shared shop can apply at a reduced rate of £250 (it is usually £1200) in view of the in-kind contribution the council is making by not charging rent or a service charge.

In May the council’s cabinet approved a report granting occupiers of the shared shop eligibility for a one of £250 Independent Retailer Grant after the third month of occupancy.

For more information about the council’s grant schemes, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk