New Horizons
Saving a Local Business from Closure
“We just got the keys”
(October 2021)
It’s October 2021 and it’s not without a little trepidation that we decided to take on a couple of well know local independent framing businesses and save them from immanent closure.
Andover Picture Framing and Romsey Picture Framing have been on the High Street for many many years. A familiar shop to many and welcome provider of quality picture framing services.
With all the paper work signed and sealed, a new horizon was revealed. Picture Framing was about to become our way of life!
Local Ambition
Having first moved from Kent, we have been residents of Hampshire since 2000. We first moved to the area to pursue new work opportunities. We didn’t know anyone, but living here and raising a family we have growing to love the area and its people. Our family has all grown up and “flown the nest” now and this challenge could not have come at a better time for us both. Once the paperwork was signed, we couldn’t wait to get in, meet the framing team and start our collective journey to a prosperous future for the business.
Like many, we have hated the way shops and business have disappeared from our High Street. The pandemic, digital revolutions in shopping and myriad of entertainment services to keep you indoors, you would wonder if the high street is doomed. There is certainly a change going on but whenever we have spoken to people they all want a vibrant town centre, a place to visit. We truly believe this is an amazing time for independent local businesses to thrive and make a positive difference to the local community.
When we acquired the businesses, our objectives were simple;
Keep the businesses running
Get through Christmas and build for the new year
Well it’s now February 2022. It’s been a whirlwind 4 months and amazing journey of challenge, learning, discovery and personal satisfaction.
If there is one thing we both love, it’s seeing our customers faces light up when they pick up their new pictures and presentations. When they do, we see the smile and we know we are doing a great job. We know many of the the things we frame have a great deal of emotional attachment for people. We always take great care of everything we handle. It’s wonderful to think the work we do is bringing pleasure and joy to people - A great feeling.
It’s not just been about pictures and photo’s either! From giant brass rubbings to bottle-top artworks to plasterboard “canvas” pictures to bayonets to MBE medals to flags and ornate brass drinking straws from the Falklands, we have had the pleasure of making some superb bespoke frames with some amazing presentations.
The Future
With spring just around the corner, we are now firmly focused on what we will do with the business moving forward. We want to grow so that we can keep these amazing local independent framing businesses going. Our strategy is easy to say but undoubtedly challenging to deliver; “Delight the customer, Embrace Local and Enjoy the journey!”
Thank you to everyone that has visited the shop. It’s been great to meet and talk to you all. If you’ve not visited before, please do drop in. Yes, we are all about picture framing (it’s not as expensive as you might think) but we also have a great collection of framed limited edition prints and artworks that might just be what you are looking for!
Andy & Sharon 