Moss End Village: A saving grace for small independent businesses

Well, you wouldn’t be the first person!

Following the pandemic, rising rent and increased rates within the newly regenerated town have been the killer of many successful independent businesses that would have once thrived.

For over 50 independent shops and restaurants, however, the Moss End Garden Village located in the heart of the Royal County, has been a saving grace within a dying economy.

Many businesses that have been in the village for over five years said that they ‘spotted its potential’ before moving in. Despite the remote location and lack of marketing, the venue allows businesses to develop and grow within a supportive community.

Feathers and Furs moved to Moss End in 2021 after being forced out of their previous location before Covid-19. During a visit to the bird centre just weeks after the opening in December 2022, owner Sadie Shepherd said that Moss End venue was their savior.

She said: “If it weren’t for us finding this location we would have had to shut down. We really do owe them so much.”

The business came up against a host of challenges before opening but with the help of the venue, they are now celebrating their first anniversary.

Surrounded by greenspace, the business has the use of a small field to hold workshops and activity days for schools and visitors wanting some hands-on experience with the beautiful birds of prey.

The Country Mouse is one of the oldest businesses to sit on the grounds of the village. Located in a charming centuries-old barn, the owner has transformed it into a hive of antiques with over 20 sole antique traders.

After starting as a furniture painter and up-cycler in another part of the grounds, Karen Lynch took over the building in 2010 with the help of the founder, Steve Hyde.

Many of the businesses that the News spoke to prided Moss End for its sense of community spirit and collaboration.

Karen said: “We are forever saying that at our age it’s so important to be part of a community and we really are part of a community here and we love it.

“We have a good relationship with people, and we were fortunate to know the person who set up the centre. His vision was for it to be a little community of people working together and helping each other.

“I think that’s what makes the centre different from most places as well. People have come and gone of course especially when there have been trying times in retail even before COVID-19, but many people have stayed and made Moss End their home.”

Moss End Village was founded by Steve Hyde and it's still owned and run by his family.