A BEAUTY salon owner has been given a grant boost after moving her business from her home to a town centre location. 

Amber Stewart set up her beauty salon, Gloss Beauty, at home, but the steady growth of her client base enabled her to expand the business and open up in Waterloo Court, in Andover town centre. Passing footfall has expanded her customer base further.

Amber prides herself on the great relationships that she builds with her clients which ensures that they become loyal returning customers. She says she feels honoured that they then entrust her for special times in their lives such as weddings.

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Andover Advertiser: Amber Stewart has received £1,200 from councillors Iris Andersen and Jan Budzynski Her current specialism is nail care and hand-drawn nail art, and she’s looking to expand the offering to other nail treatments in the future. She works by appointment at times to suit her clients.

Amber said: “Waterloo Court is a great town centre location. I am really pleased to be awarded the grant that has helped me to purchase additional furnishings and extra stock for the salon." 

Now, Ambert has received a £1,200 Independent Retailer Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.

Cllr Iris Andersen, who represents the St Mary’s ward and presented the cheque to Amber, said: “The grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley. I am delighted that Amber has been successful in her grant application and wish her every success.”

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Cllr Jan Budzynski, who also represents the St Mary’s ward, added: “The grants help to give new local businesses a boost to get started and I am pleased that Amber has been awarded the grant to enable her to have a town centre location where she can grow her business further.”

Recipients of the £1,200 grant 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 result of the council’s prudent investments, financial management and the use of the New Homes Bonus.

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