A LOCAL business owner is hopeful for the future of independent and “unique” businesses in Aberystwyth, urging people to look past the increased closures of shops on the high street.

Becky Barratt co-owns Driftwood Designs, which recently moved from Eastgate Street to a larger premises on Pier Street, with local artist Lizzie Spikes.

“We’ve recently moved from Eastgate Street to Pier Street and would have loved to have a shop on the main street but, as we need a big shop to house our wholesale business, the rents and rates totalling more than £70,000 per annum makes it impossible,” Becky said.

While Becky spoke of the closure of many businesses of the high street, she stressed this is not an issue exclusive to Aberystwyth and urged people to look further than the high street to see the multiplicity of independent, local businesses thriving in the town.

“Great Darkgate Street has lots of closures on it which is sad for the town, but this is a national issue.

“There has been a big speed up in the shift to online and it will take a while for the powers that be to catch up and work out how to attract shops back and what the future of the high street will be.”

Becky added: “All of the business owners I have spoken to have adapted their way of working and have been really well supported.

“Everyone’s experiences are different, but I hope all the independent retailers make it through.

“So many businesses are moving and growing. ‘Closet’ is a great example, to move from Market Street to the main street, in the middle of a pandemic – what a brave thing to do.

“They should be applauded.”

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on many businesses, Driftwood Designs is facing a “promising” future with the hope of a thriving summer.

“We had a small window we could open last year, we were very busy and really well supported by local people who, during lockdown, have jumped online and kept us busy.

“When we moved there was lots of interest in our old shop, which is really positive, and its wonderful to see Pwdin opening up.

“Aberystwyth has a great variety of attractions and independent shops have always been well supported by the people in Aberystwyth. I can only see that continuing and possibly increasing.

“Because of what’s happened in the last year, people are keen to support what’s around them.”

Driftwood Designs was founded in 2005 by artist Lizzie to balance work with her desire to spend time with her first born child, Jacob.

In 2012, Lizzie’s childhood friend, and “organised business brain”, Becky joined to help with the administration side of the flourishing business.

While the business began out of a wooden cabin in Becky’s garden, the pair soon moved to a premises on Queens Road.

In September 2017, the Driftwood Designs workshop moved to Eastgate Street, before moving to Pier Street in January of this year.

Last summer, they expanded and opened Siop Fach Caerdydd in Cardiff.