News that a milkshake bar is closing in Burton has prompted a huge response from Burton Mail readers saddened that an independent business will be closing.
Super Shakes, in Station Street, has announced its decision to close, blaming a lack of shoppers in town for its decision. The news has prompted readers to call for more to be done to help independent small businesses in the town.
One of Super Shakes' owners, Matt Reid, said that many shoppers were opting to travel to Derby instead of Burton as the city has similar shops and more choice. The bar will close in October, but will be open for the Statutes Fair in Burton. A final date has yet to be set.
The building where Super Shakes is based is now up for let for £17,950 a year.
Some readers claimed that Burton was being "overrun" by coffee shops and chains and that a campaign should be launched to support small businesses.
Super Shakes was set up by friends Matt Reid, Jordan Whyatt and Sean Mitchell three years ago. It sells bespoke milkshakes and comics. Customers can create their own milkshakes from an array of flavourings, including all manner of chocolate and fruit. It does not sell coffee.
Annually, the town does stage a large-scale Small Business Saturday event which encourages shoppers to shop locally and patronise smaller, independently-owned and run firms. Small Business Saturday is a national campaign and sees towns and cities across the country encourage shoppers to get out and shop at smaller outlets. This year the event will take place on Saturday, December 2, which the Burton Mail covers each year.
The news that Super Shakes was closing prompted a dozens of comments from people. Ali Caan wrote on the Burton Mail's Facebook page: "Always sad to see a local business close its doors. Credit to the lads for thinking outside the box and giving it a go."
Wendy Topliss said: "Such a lovely bunch working there. They have their own ideas and all unique. I'm deeply sad for this to come. Why? My lad has always said the best shakes, not just in town, but the universe. I think we need to start a petition - keep shakes open."
Clare Wright said the news that Super Shakes was closing has made her think twice about using bigger companies. She said: "The Burton Mail should start a campaign to get the public to support independent businesses instead of the bigger companies. This article has made me think twice about nipping into Costa Coffee or McDonald's. I'll be visiting the small businesses instead."
SwaddieReader wrote on the Burton Mail's website: "So sad to see this go. I remember talking to Matt (Reid) when his venture took off. The fact that another coffee shop is coming into the town says it all, the town is going to be all coffee shops and no shops."
It has been revealed that a sixth Costa Coffee is coming to Burton, and plans have been submitted to bring the first Starbucks to near the town.
Andy Coorr also agreed, saying on the Mail's Facebook page: "It's such a shame. The council seems happier to let Burton town centre be overrun by Costa Coffees and chains, which are usually done much better elsewhere, than encourage independent businesses and fill the town with great one-offs, like this which are less common and have more about them."
However, Eric Dowding said: "I have only just discovered this shop and my kids love it. However, for all those going on about Costa Coffee - Costa wouldn't keep setting up if there wasn't demand, which clearly there is. Not enough research was done in their business plan. People are opting for coffee and cake rather than milkshakes and comics. You need a much larger youth population for a shop like this; a university town for example."
Jane Hollands had some more business advice for the owners, saying: "This is such a shame and purely down to location. If the rent wasn't so high in the town then maybe this business could have been inside the shopping centre closer to the other indoor shops.
"I'm so sorry for you guys. I wish you lots of luck in any future adventures. My daughter loves your milkshakes. Maybe they should think about going mobile on the road, such as festivals or concerts?"
A fellow small business owner, Emily Flanagan said: "Oh no, such a shame we always went in when in town. I run a small business and it is so hard. Good luck to them in whatever they decide to do in the future."
Emma Brown agreed, saying: "So sad. There should be more help for small businesses like this. My sons will be gutted it's gone."
Sean Clare said: "Such a shame, they make some amazing shakes."
Lynda Taylor said: "So sad to hear this news. You'll be missed by many."
Pete Tyers said: "Genuinely gutted for you guys. Thanks for the good times."
Milkshake fan Suzi Annie said: "Gutted. Now where do I go for my Turkish delight milkshake? Group of great guys. Good luck with whatever you do."
Sharon Cox said: "What a shame. It is a fabulous place and the shakes are delicious."
Joshua Osborne said: "Such a shame as I love to buy their shakes and chat to the staff at Super Shakes."
Mother Tin Lowndes said: "Such a shame it's a brilliant shop my kids love it here."
While Stacey Mitchell simply said: "Gutted. Best place in town."
Joanne Murphy said she believed it was a popular shop, saying: "I am shocked to be honest. It always looked like people where in there."
Other readers suggested a change of location might work.
Jackie Scroggs said: "Sad. We love going there. No chance of having a mobile stall in The Octagon shopping centre at all?"
Stuart Davey said: "What about the indoor market? I hear the rents are cheaper in there?”
And Sonia Imran had a list of suggestions. She said: "Get a loan, advertise yourself. Get people talking about you. Get local celebs in. Shake up your menu. Go on Dragons' Den."
However, other readers gloomily claimed this could be one of the final nails in the coffin for Burton town centre.
Paul Casey said: "Extortional parking charges and now both bridges closing one after the other are driving the nails in not to mention the skeleton-like remains of the town markets. Young people like this are needed to shape what's left, if anything."
Wasim Shah said: "Coffee shops, charity shops and vanilla clothes shops is all that will be left in Burton."
Orlando wrote on the Burton Mail’s website: "I've been in and tried several of the milkshakes, really nice. But look down High Street and Station Street, They're just wastelands. Where is the tumbleweed? They have let the supermarkets come in and strip the footfall from the small independents and put them out of business.
"People don't open shops because they like standing behind the counter, they open them to make a living. If they can't do that then they won't. With the rise of supermarkets, home deliveries and the internet, the town centre has not long to go.
"Don't set up in Burton. It's a dying town, full of boarded up shops, coffee shops and charity shops. Even with both bridges open the traffic is horrendous and parking expensive."
John McClane also said: "Between the two sides of very poorly decorated and shabby looking frontages is a vast expanse of nothing. Looking down Station Street from High Street, well it’s like a ghost town. I half expected to see tumble weed rolling across the streets like you see in the westerns. Any visitor entering Station Street from High Street would surely do a quick about-turn. Not very attractive or inviting is putting it mildly."
While Sheila Hazlewood said: "The rents these people charge does not help either."
Sujad Khan agreed, saying: "Small business is what makes Britain great. The government and local councils should be supporting these people who are trying to earn an honest crust. Sets a perfect example – you’re better off on the dole."
However, Patricia Bassett said Super Shakes would not have to shut if we all used it. She said: "Well if we all go and tell other people to go. Maybe it won't have to close."
East Staffordshire Borough Council said it does not set the business rates and simply collects the cash. It is set by the Government appointed valuation officer. The borough council says it wants to remind new and existing businesses that they can access business support through the council.
Whether a business is looking to relocate into the area or wishes to find out more about local grant schemes that may be available, the council’s enterprise team can help, said a spokesman.
The council can also help businesses complete application forms should they wish to apply for a grant scheme – something which can be daunting to some.
Councillor Patricia Ackroyd, deputy leader for enterprise, said: "The council has a dedicated team who can direct businesses to organisations who can provide advice and support and point them in the direction of grant schemes.
"The council is determined to do everything it can to help stimulate the economy, create growth and jobs and help new and existing businesses in the borough."
A spokesman for East Staffordshire Borough Council added: "The council will not comment on individual cases, however the rateable value for any commercial property is determined by the Valuation Office Agency, an independent body. Further information, including how to appeal a rateable value, can be found on their website by visiting www.voa.gov.uk. Information regarding reliefs available to East Staffordshire business ratepayers can be found at www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/business-rates
"If any Business Rates payer is experiencing difficulties in paying their Business Rates at any time after their initial bill is sent, we urge them to contact us as soon as possible by telephoning our Revenues Team on 01283 508030 or by visiting one of our Customer Service Centres in either the Market Place, Burton, or the library in Uttoxeter."
