insideKENT Magazine Issue 30 - September 2014 | Page 106

Sidcup & Co. is here!
Opening up on Sidcup High Street, fantastic new shop, Sidcup & Co., presents an
exciting range of products for local shoppers. Refusing to be your run-of-the-mill
local shop, this special venture offers affordable space and exposure to a variety of
fledgling independent traders who are building up their businesses.

Each of the participating businesses
has its own display within the store,
featuring products such as clothing,
accessories, homewares and luxury
toiletries, including many
homemade and original pieces.

Taking up a spot within the store is
Saffron Chic, a local business selling
a diverse collection of ladieswear
with an Asian influence. Owner,
Ruckshana Rahman, says: “Asian
trends are increasingly popular in
western fashion. The local area has
a diverse community, so I think it’s
the right time and location to bring
this fusion to the mainstream.”

Having recently joined, new
business, Freckles & Curls, prides
itself on selling original, handcrafted
artworks. Cousins, Laura Best and
Rebecca Bridges, have used the
store as a launch pad for their
colourful and modern designs.
Rebecca says: “Trading in Sidcup
& Co. has provided us with an
opportunity to kick start the
business and showcase our
designs to the local area.”

relaxed atmosphere. Davina says: “You can capture the most natural and
beautiful photographs of babies and young children in the home, where
everyone is most comfortable. I’m hoping I can reach a new audience
through Sidcup & Co.”
Entrepreneur electrician, Keith Higgins, is also working at Sidcup & Co. to
develop his company, Safe Electrical Training (SET). SET provides tuition
in key electrical skills as a starting point for career qualifications. Keith says:
“Sidcup & Co. gives us a great foundation. There is a fantastic mix of people
and we're all sharing and building on our ideas.”
The event facilities at Sidcup & Co. are also proving useful for the local
community; it has already hosted an art exhibition, fashion show, children’s
arts and crafts activities, and performances by a local theatre group.

In addition to retailers, Sidcup &
Co. also offers workspace and
practical support for other kinds of
businesses. From graphic designers
to estate agents, this multi-purpose,
flexible space is ideal for a wide
variety of entrepreneurs, providing
computers, printers, presentation
facilities and meetings rooms.

Nerena Moodley, the founder of NoodlesDoodles Creative, has hosted a
number of arts and crafts classes, including making and decorating stained
glass sun catchers. Nerena says: “We’ve had some great creative activities
that have really got the kids’ imaginations going.”
Sidcup & Co. is part of the In Store for Sidcup regeneration programme,
funded by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s Outer London Fund and
the London Borough of Bexley. The Outer London Fund (OLF) is helping
to increase the vibrancy and growth of high streets across London. £1.2
million has been provided by the OLF, with a further £600,000 of match
funding from the London Borough of Bexley. Visit www.instoreforsidcup.org
for more information about the shop, its traders, and upcoming events.

The Knees and Toes Photo Studio
has recently joined Sidcup & Co. in
a bid to use the workspace and
promote the business to local
residents. Photographer, Davina
Cavalli, specialises in family portraits,
taken at their own homes for a

www.sidcupandco.com

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