Top shop behind parenting at work

Despite talks of belt tightening in the economy, Nicola Hinton of the Stratford Powertool Centre says she believes Stratford's local businesses can survive with the continued support from the local community.

Nicola and her father Gary opened the Stratford Powertool Centre early last year and were quickly welcomed by the community.

Stratford is a wonderful community to build a business in as the locals have a great understanding that now more than ever is a time to support local businesses.

Nicola Hinton of the Stratford Powertool Centre

Nicola adds a strong local client base combined with great support from local tradesmen means the business will continue to grow.

"There are always aspects in business that are going to be unpredictable but by sticking together as a community I think Stratford's local businesses will be just fine."

Nicola says an example of this local support for the Stratford Powertool Centre came during the TSB Top Shop awards, as the store was named as one of the top five finalists in the region for the retail section.

"We were so happy to be acknowledged and voted through by the public as one of the top shops in the region."

Nicola says as a new business it was a huge accomplishment to be named as a finalist and adds the recognition in particular is for her father Gary.

"I was on maternity leave during the TSB Top Shop process and Dad did a wonderful job taking on all the work himself. It was great knowing that I could take time off and leave the shop in capable hands."

Nicola says their customers have also been very welcoming of the newest member of the Stratford Powertool Centre team, five-month-old Laura Hinton.

"I am so lucky to have a job where I can bring Laura into the office if need be and our customers are so happy to meet her when she is in the office with me."