FIRST GLIMPSE: Nub News are big supporters of brilliant local business in Letchworth and across North Herts.

We feature a regular series named First Glimpse that specifically highlights exciting new businesses opening in Letchworth and across our area which also covers Baldock, Stotfold, Royston and everywhere in between.

Nub News champions brilliant businesses new and old and want to see OUR community thrive.

Our stories are seen by our ever-growing legions of readers on our website, and our Facebook page Letchworth Nub News, not to mention our Twitter and Instagram accounts.

On top of that we have a burgeoning newsletter read specifically by residents in Letchworth and across North Herts who enjoy our selected stories every Friday - which also include new businesses.

So, if you are starting a new business in Letchworth or North Herts, please do get in touch as we'd love to highlight your work.

In the meantime, read on for our First Glimpse on David Levett's Stepping Stones, a brilliant new concept you're about to discover more about.

.............

Make a Start in Retail in Letchworth Garden City with Stepping Stones

A new venture in Letchworth Garden City is giving the opportunity to make a start in high street retail without all the usual costs, risks and complexities of opening a shop.

Situated in Garden Square Shopping Centre Stepping Stones has three retail 'pods' in one store that can be rented by the month together with a 'pop-up' area aimed at community use, exhibitions or special events.

Stepping Stones is run by the well-known David Levett, who is a district councillor living in Letchworth. David also runs Creations, Conservations and Curiosities in the Garden Square Shopping Centre and previously ran The Third Place before the recent expiry of the lease.

Prior to this he ran an engineering company in Hitchin before retiring on health grounds after being diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease.

Stepping Stones director David said: "I started my own retail business in the town aPer a trial period in a pop-up shop and know how costly and difficult it can be to take that initial idea to a successful business.

"The idea of Stepping Stones is for people to be able to try their ideas or have a high street presence for an on-line store.

"Think of it as a mini high street or indoor market where you can take the first steps with your idea and hopefully grow it step by step."

There is also a small multi-purpose meeting/training room that is fully equipped with projector, screen and on line conferencing facilities available for hire.

Prices include lighting, power and ultra fast fibre broadband and shop fittings can be provided for an additional cost.

Stepping Stones has been set up as a social enterprise with all profits being re-invested in the business to improve facili

For those who are not quite ready to make the step into a retail unit there will also be space to display products in wall or floor standing cases with a details of how to purchase online.

David added: "I hope to have the retail 'pods' ready to open early November in order to catch the Christmas trade and have already had several enquiries.

"The meeting/training room is available already as I had a booking for it three days after r I signed the lease which meant working round the clock to get it ready in time.

"The local authority and other organisations have talked about doing an 'incubator' facility for a number of years but its never quite got there, so with help from the management of Garden Square Shopping Centre I decided to give it a try as I believe, particularly since the pandemic hit high street retail so hard, that there is a need in our town centres for initiatives like Stepping Stones."

..........

For more information telephone: 07769 253607 and/or email: [email protected]

Stepping Stones is situated at 25 Commerce Way, Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City SG7 3DN.

Stepping Stones Letchworth Ltd is a Social Enterprise registered in England as a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 15167631 and at present is entirely self funded.

Make a Start in Retail in Letchworth Garden City with Stepping Stones