Butcher delighted to be 100th trader to get shop front grant

Ruislip Manor butcher Ian Hallam thinks his new-look shop is a cut above the rest

Ian Hallam, owner of Manor Farm Butchers in Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, is the 100th trader to get a shop front grant from Hillingdon Council.

The money is being used to smarten up businesses in the community to help them attract new customers.

Mr Hallam said he might not have been able to fully finance the refurbishment without the council’s help, and it had increased business.

“The new look has definitely had an impact,” he said. “I’ve been told that the store feels more inviting, so people want to come in.

“Without a doubt I think the fresh appearance has had a positive impact on business because it feels busier in here.”

The shop – renamed Manor Farm Butchers from simply Manor Butchers as part of the rebranding – now has a bespoke wooden frontage and is enclosed with windows displaying the name.

Ruislip Manor, Northwood Hills and Hayes high streets have all had council investment and money from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund. The refurbished shop fronts are part of a wider improvement plan.

The unique designs were created with the help of Lee Newham of Designed by Good People who worked with Mr Hallam on the design for his shop front, to tailor the windows to fit his personality and business.

Manor ward councillor Douglas Mills, the council’s cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, said the scheme had been very successful.

“It encourages people to visit and rediscover our high streets and town centres, which we are working hard to regenerate,” he added. “It is also encouraging new traders to bring their unique businesses to our borough.”

This year the Greater London Authority will have invested a total of three million pounds in the borough's town centres.

The Deputy Mayor of London for business and enterprise, Kit Malthouse, said: “The Borough of Hillingdon has been an excellent partner in terms of making sure the Mayor’s investment benefits local small businesses and improving 100 shop fronts in such a short time is an impressive achievement.”

Peter Lawrence at Lawrence Rand said: “This investment is transforming the local shopping scene and encouraging local residents to undertake business locally and, at Lawrence Rand, we are delighted to be part of such a vibrant community.”