Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, 30 May 2014

Exciting new developments in Upper Hutt

Several new businesses are opening up in Upper Hutt as the city’s economy begins to grow.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 30 MAY 2014—There is definitely something other than winter in the air in Upper Hutt. The last few months has seen a significant number of vacant premises filled with new or expanding businesses.

“After a tough few years it is encouraging to see such movement,” says Upper Hutt City Council’s Economic Development Manager, Phil Gorman. “In the commercial scene, the growth is fantastic. We have a number of local businesses in the process of expanding or needing to expand due to the success they are having. Kereru and Panhead, both craft beer breweries, are perfect examples of this growth. We have loads of hidden gems in Upper Hutt’s business community that we can be extremely proud of.”

Growth has also been seen in the retail and service sectors. Ten new businesses have opened in the last few months alone and two are expanding into larger premises.

In the city centre, Diva Beauty and FXU Vibration Training Studio have expanded and Arkwrights Empire, Lush Lashes, and Jo-Anna’s Attic have opened. The latest addition to the city centre is The Traditional Candy Company on Main Street next to The Wendy House. The Traditional Candy Company will be manufacturing and selling chocolate, fudge, and other candy, as well as Italian coffee.

Similar growth is seen outside the city centre with Upper Hutt Hire and Composting New Zealand opening in Goodshed Road and Park Street respectively. K9 Clipz Dog Groomers, Ivy and Co, The Teaspoon, and Silverstream Espresso have also opened in the Silverstream and Trentham areas.

“Retail has had a hard few years and it is still challenging for some sectors,” says Sarah Garnham, Council’s Retail and Events Coordinator. “However, the newly opened, Ivy and Co, a dedicated wedding store, is a complimentary addition to our successful and growing wedding sector. Within this sector, we have a group of engaged businesses people who realise the benefits of working together to encourage growth.”

Local business models are also continuing to diversify with a number of businesses doing such things as sharing premises and costs, promoting themselves online, running classes and demonstrations, and being proactive in finding creative ways to help their businesses grow. This creative energy and thinking is not only good for their business but Upper Hutt in general.

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