Did you know: Medway is home to over 14,000 businesses...and over 90% of them are small independent businesses.
If you’re looking for some gift inspiration, don't forget to shop local this festive season and support Medway businesses. Visit our high streets or a local retailer near you (or visit their website) in the run-up to Christmas and grab yourself a gift or two.
Shopping locally also means you will be both helping the environment and cutting down on travel costs.
Small Business Saturday is a national campaign to highlight the importance of the grassroots economy.
Find out more about the support we provide to small businesses to help our growing local economy
 'Medway Council remains wholly committed to supporting the growth of
businesses in Medway. Our economy is one of the most promising growth areas in the South-East.
We are immensely proud of the fact that we have more than 14,000 businesses in Medway (with 90 per cent being small businesses) and every one of them contribute to our local economy which is currently worth £5.9b.
Take a look through the support that’s available to your business and
take advantage of the training and funding schemes that can help take your business forward - 'https://www.medway.gov.uk/businessformedway'
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Inward Investment
It's been quite the year for Guscott Heating. They were a finalist at the Medway Business Awards, with James Armstrong also winning the 'Rising Star' category.
The business has also secured the green ‘net zero’ audit, helping the business towards cutting their energy costs, identify carbon emissions and help towards becoming ‘net zero’.
They've also successfully applied for funding via the The Partners for Green Growth scheme to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Harland Guscott, the Founder of Guscott Heating even managed to find some time out of his very busy work schedule to take part in our latest Local Plan consultation video earlier this summer.
The business has proudly served Medway residents since 2017.
Learn more
 |
|
Get Ready Comics are a great example of a small business that has recently expanded.
The business moved into a bigger unit in Rochester High Street on Saturday, 30 November and their offer provides so much more than just a comic book store.
From Loungelfy and Funko, to games, bags and all types of comic book and cartoon character-themed merchandise, the shop provides an excellent range of products for all ages.
If you're visiting Rochester, don't forget to make a stop over the festive period.
Take a look at their website
|
 |
|
Bike Warehouse is a great independent bike shop in Gillingham which now has two other branches in Kent, as the business continues to grow.
Regularly receiving 5* customer reviews, the well-established high street business is the perfect place for children's and adult bikes of all types.
View the website
|
 |
|
What a year it's been for Journey's Made. The award-winning small business, based in Gillingham, specialises in high-quality personalised travel keepsakes. Jade Scammells (The Founder of Journey's Made) has taken advantage of the funding schemes run by Medway Council.
In May, Journey's Made became the first-ever Medway business to be awarded both the Partners for Growth and the Partners for Green Growth Grants, to help make businesses more environmentally sustainable. Jade has used these grants to purchase a state-of-the-art fibre laser machine.
Find out more
|
 |
|
Cleopatras has been in Chatham for over 10 years and opened their new store in Chatham High Street earlier this summer.
Sited within the beauty salon Cleopatra's Beauti Spot, Cleopatra's Legacy provides wigs, hair products, breast forms, mastectomy wear, and personalised fitting services in a compassionate and safe environment. They support anyone affected by air loss through cancer and other conditions.
Visit their Facebook page
|
 |
|
Unravel and Unwind CIC are the place to go for woolly treasures. The yarn shop is situated just off Gillingham High Street.
Along with an array of handcrafted gifts of all shapes and sizes, the business also provides opportunities for people to learn crochet by running classes and workshops alongside community engagement activities.
Discover more
|
|
