Following a year which has undoubtedly been a challenging one for all businesses, we wanted to profile and highlight the true resilience, resolve and passion of a few of the many owner managed and family businesses - our mighty independents.
We trust you enjoy their shared experiences and do encourage you to support them, along with many such businesses in Lincoln and across our county.
The Bowl Full is a popular West End family-run authentic Spanish Tapas Restaurant providing a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy good food and drink. Owned and run by husband-and-wife Karl and Anne Marie Hanson, both of whom have other jobs, the Bowl Full is open on Friday and Saturday evenings. Commenting on how they came to engage Streets, particularly Accountancy Partner Andrew Manderfield and Tax Partner Erica Manderfield, Karl said: “I had contact with Streets right from the very start of the process to try and buy the restaurant. This was a difficult process due to our lack of sector experience but Andrew arranged meetings with the right people and we eventually got the deal done.
“We have had continued support from Andrew and Erica over the past eight years and they are always great to deal with. Having a friendly contact over the past 18 months has been invaluable ensuring we have been able to get the required support.
“During lockdown the business, like many in the sector, transformed itself to provide a fabulous takeaway service which proved to be a lifeline to keeping the business going and in the minds of its customers. Having only recently re-opened with the easing of lockdown, we are looking forward to having people back dining inside the restaurant.
“The nights are about the buzz and the atmosphere, seeing people enjoying the effort you have put into the food and the service. It may take a little while to fully get back to normal but fingers crossed it’s not that far away!”
G H Shaw at 126 High Street in Lincoln was founded in 1860 and is now a fifth-generation family furniture business. For more than 160 years it has seen a host of changing fashions and trends. This ability to respond to changes in taste, design, manufacture and lifestyles, has seen the business through the best and worst of times. The last year has certainly tested the resolve of joint MDs David and Tim Shaw, along with their sister Wendy Harrison and interior design consultant, who are currently at the helm.
David said: “On March 23 last year the announcement of the first lockdown was one that without the help and support of Streets, in particular Partners Mark Bradshaw and Chris Hubbard, could have seen us closing the shop doors for the final time. We couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. With an inability to trade and uncertainty over when business might open up again, we did wonder if the only option was to cease trading.
“Thanks to the help and support of Streets, we were able to put a plan in place and seek support via the various initiatives and measures put in place for businesses by the Government. We found Covid secure ways of working with clients as well as ensuring our safety. We are delighted to welcome back clients to our shop – it makes so much difference being able to see our furniture, carpets, curtains and to take advantage of our inhouse interior design consultancy.”
Mark Jeffs Hair & Beauty Studios is a 5-star salon recognised by the Good Salon Guide. Located in Cobb Hall at the foot of the Castle walls it was founded 20 years ago by stylist Mark Jeffs and his beauty therapist wife Melanie. Mark, Melanie and their 18 fellow stylists and five beauty therapists understand that the way you feel can be determined by how you look and take pride in their caring approach. When asked why he switched to Streets Chartered Accountants Mark said: “Moving to Streets some years ago was one of our best financial decisions. It’s like having another in-house department supporting the business. Our Partner Robin Lee has given us great non-judgemental sound advice on many occasions throughout our growth. He has guided us and put us in touch with the right people at the right time and I can’t thank him enough. He is always available and has been a comfort throughout the pandemic.
“For many during and as we came out of lockdown, top of the list of things to do was to have our hair done. As we return to looking after our clients once again, the reaction from everyone has been a joy.”
Steep Hill Wines is fondly known as the quirky shop on the Hill, family-run, offering a wide variety of excellent, specialist yet affordable wines, as well as artisan spirits and local ales. For over 30 years the Manfield family and in particular Rob Manfield (right), have looked after the needs of wine lovers. Lockdown however, led to a need to adapt with a focus on online sales and ‘doorstep’ deliveries. Rob explained: “Whilst we were quick to develop and promote our online sales, it is great to be able to receive customers again in the shop. It is certainly the best way to promote, experience and even sample our array of wines on offer. It allows us to spend more time with those looking to draw on our wine knowledge.
“We have been with Streets for over 15 years with Streets Partner Linda Lord providing us with great advice and support, never more so than over the last year. She certainly helps to ensure our business affairs are in the best shape.”
Krantz Designs, which was founded by Jamie Krantz in 2004 and with its beautiful Bailgate showroom, has earned an enviable reputation for designing luxury, bespoke and functional kitchens and interiors. Jamie and the team pride themselves on the personal service they offer to all of their clients, including the continuous support and significant expertise provided by their experienced team of designers and carpenters. Taking time to look back on the last year, Jamie said: “It has been a challenging period for our business, perhaps ironically, lockdown did give rise to people looking to improve their homes. Spending more time at home provided people with the chance to do something they might not have had time to do, such as consider a new kitchen, which led to a good level of enquiries and projects.
“On the other hand, supply issues in terms of materials and having to work in a Covid secure way has been problematic to say the least. Coming out of lockdown has somewhat seen an easing of the situation and our designers and fitters are happy to be back to some sense of normality.
“I have really appreciated the support and guidance I have received from Streets not just on the accounting side from Partner Chris Hubbard, but as importantly, the personal financial planning I have received from Sam Tindale. All at Streets have supported me with accessing assistance from the Covid support measures introduced by the Chancellor.”
