City centre welcomes over 30 new businesses in space of a few months

More than 30 new businesses have opened in Derby city centre in the past few months, according to new research carried out by the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts.

According to their latest report, new cafés, bars and restaurants, along with a range of other independent shops, are now trading within each BID area.

Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, said: “We are delighted to announce this news, and want to celebrate the fact that Derby has welcomed so many new businesses trading in the city.

“We would like to officially welcome these entrepreneurs to our two BID areas.

“We are also working with a handful of other businesses who are preparing to open before the end of the year.

“We still have empty units in and around Derby, but the findings from our new report are hugely positive.

“Like every other city across the UK, there are challenges when it comes to city centre trading, but we are determined to strengthen the quality of our city centre streets.

“The fact that we have seen such a large number of businesses open in Derby in recent months – and more are coming in the next few weeks, is testament to the fact that Derby has a lot to offer.”

Among the new arrivals is Glamberry, an artisan bakery, which is opening a new cafe on The Strand, after trading from an industrial estate in Mansfield Road.

Founder Anum Zafar said: “I started Glamberry four years ago as a hobby and after a year of running the business out of my parents’ kitchen, I expanded to a commercial unit in Derby.

“I’ve worked tirelessly for the past few years to achieve my dream of opening my own café.

“I am unbelievably excited and proud that I’ve been able to get such a dream location for Glamberry.”

Houseboat, a South Indian tapas-style restaurant, opened in St Peters Street in July and has been wowing diners with its Asian dishes.

It specialises in food from Kerala, a region of South India, and the owners have transformed the building which was once home to the Swiss Cottage café.

Manager Johns Geo said: “We are thrilled to be part of the vibrant Derby community.

“We are excited to bring our unique flavours and warm hospitality to the area and look forward to serving the wonderful people of Derby.”

Farhan Mahmood also has a new shop in Derby after running his stall in the Eagle Market for 30 years.

He now runs his business, BCS Electricals, in Albert Street, next door to Martin’s Fruit, who also relocated from the Eagle Market.

He said: “I struggled to find a shop, but Martin’s Fruits was my neighbour in the market, and he helped me. We are now neighbours again and it is great.”

For Yunis Alenzi it was an easy decision to open Shwarma Al-Sham in St Peters Street. He wanted to bring his Syrian-style of food to the city.

The 24-year-old said: “I have been living in Derby for 14 years and had been looking for a shop to open. This one is perfect as it is not too big and not too small.”