Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2014/January 2015 | Page 140

BUSINESS LIFE Coach House couple retire J ane and Mike Reeves, who have been running the popular Coach House shop in Regent Street, Shanklin, for the past nine years, have decided to retire. Jane said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, and would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support over the years. But now we have decided it’s time for a rest!” The Coach House is to become a dance-related outlet, although Jane and Mike will be leaving some of the Coach House furniture and accessory catalogues in the premises, and if anyone wants to buy a particular item, they will do their best to obtain it from their suppliers. 140 www.visitilife.com Wight Island Escapes Five Rivers Kynges House, West Street, Brading, PO36 0DN t. 01983 303303 e. [email protected] w. www.wightislandescapes.com 47 Bedwin Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire t. 01722 435750 e. [email protected] w. www.five-rivers.org I F t has now been around nine months since Wight Island Escapes relocated to their new offices in Brading. Growing business levels meant their original office in Binstead had become too small and more space was therefore urgently required in order to allow the business to grow further. Now, nicely settled in their new surroundings, business has grown beyond expectations, with more properties Islandwide being taken onto the books, and even more being lined up for the 2015 season. Holiday bookings have increased significantly for both short breaks and longer holidays. Terry Hallett is Managing Director, and his wife Debby also plays a major role in running the family business. Terry said: “Both Debby and I are delighted with the way the business has grown. Despite an economic downturn in recent years, it strongly appears that people still want their holidays! People may put off moving home or leave buying the new car until next year but they won’t give up their holiday. Enquiries for next season are already streaming in, so we are preparing ourselves for yet another very successful year”. For next year Wight Island Escapes will be launching a new website offering many additional features including a new online booking system linked to a new management system - something both Terry and Debby are very excited about. “This will improve efficiency & enable an even smoother booking experience for guests”, said Debby. If you are considering holiday letting, then why not give Wight Island Escapes a call? They offer a friendly and professional service backed by years of local Island knowledge. See above for contact details. ive Rivers Fostering Agency was established in 1989 as a Social Enterprise to look after vulnerable children and young adults. They currently look after 320 children with 250 approved foster carers. Fostering is a way of providing family life for someone else’s child in your own home when they are unable to live with their own family. These children need your help as they have various issues going on in their life and these can range from family breakdown, health issues, neglect or abuse, or emotional or behavioural difficulties. Fostering is a hugely rewarding career opportunity with extensive professional training programme as well as dedicated and enhanced support service. Forget the old myths about fostering – you don’t need to have your own home, age is not a barrier, previous experience not essential, you can be male or female, straight or gay, any ethnic background. It is a life changing experience for you and those who you will foster.