At a time when many high streets across the UK are struggling to keep up with the shift to online shopping and economic uncertainty, Bawtry seems to be bucking the trend. This small yet vibrant South Yorkshire market town continues to thrive, boasting a strong network of independent businesses, a busy events calendar and a deep sense of community among its traders.
To find out how Bawtry has maintained its appeal and what makes it such an attractive place for business, unLTD took a trip to the town to meet Ross Jarvie, Chair of the Bawtry Retail Association. Over a drink in the bustling Pantry Bar & Brasserie, Ross shared his insights into how local businesses support each other, the importance of connectivity and why entrepreneurs are choosing to set up shop here.
Could you start off by telling us a bit about your background and how you got into your role with the Bawtry Retail Association?
My business partner and I bought Fine & Country estate agents around 2011, and that business brought me to Bawtry. Around the same time, we started the Bawtry Retail Association as a way of bringing businesses together. Originally, it was going to be Bawtry.org, but then Visit Bawtry became the brand as Visit England and Visit Britain, and similar initiatives, gained traction.
Eight years ago, I was asked to chair the association temporarily, but we’re still in that ‘temporary’ eight-year period!
You’ve talked about bringing people together – what else would you say are the primary priorities of the association?
We’re keen to increase footfall, raise awareness of the town and work together to organise events. Initially, we only had the Christmas event, which takes place on the first Sunday in December. Now, we’re involved in an arts festival, regular car shows, and bike nights. This year, we’re also introducing a wellness week and individual networking events.
The networking will include traditional business-to-business interactions but will also extend to attending other events, such as those organised by heritage groups or the town council. The aim is to encourage collaboration between residents, the council and local businesses to improve the town for everyone.
What makes Bawtry an attractive location for business?
There are a couple of key factors. One is connectivity: we’ve got the A1 very close by, the railway station at Doncaster, and a train and bus network. Hopefully, we’ll also have the [Doncaster-Sheffield] airport reopening soon.
Bawtry is well-positioned for travel in all directions – north, south, east, and west – making it a strategic hub. If you’re heading east towards Lincolnshire, we’re right on the border. In fact, the first house in Yorkshire as you travel up from the South is in Bawtry – we’re the gateway to South Yorkshire.
Would you say any particular types of businesses tend to thrive here?
Bawtry is predominantly home to smaller independent businesses, with just a handful of larger ones. We do have some well-known brands, such as Fairfax & Favor, who have recently opened here, as well as your big chains like Sainsbury’s.
However, the majority of businesses are independent shops. We’re particularly well known for health and beauty, which plays a big role in Bawtry’s business scene. Weddings are another key sector – we host more than 80 a year between Bawtry Hall and The Crown Hotel. As a result, we have a wedding dress shop, three florists and several clothing boutiques catering to the industry. Because weddings are such a big part of Bawtry, we also attract stag and hen parties. Additionally, the racecourse brings in a lot of visitors.
Everyone we’ve spoken to today from Bawtry’s business community has touched upon interconnectivity: sharing ideas, networking and being able to access help from other business owners when you need it. How would you describe that set-up?
In smaller towns, there’s often a conflict between the daytime and nighttime economies. Towns can be very good at putting on daytime events that help retail businesses, but by the time the event finishes, the hospitality sector doesn’t benefit. In Bawtry, we’re fortunate to have a strong crossover between the two economies – business owners see the benefits of both and support each other.
There are also smaller communities within Bawtry’s business network. For example, in The Courtyard area, businesses have their own WhatsApp or Facebook groups where they share ideas. However, the broader Bawtry business community also comes together for larger projects, such as the Pink Bawtry Event, where 70 local businesses raised great amounts of money for Cancer Research – something that wouldn’t have been possible individually.
Whether a local business is part of the Retail Association or not, they’re still welcome to participate in certain initiatives. The business community also collaborates on safety measures. Many smaller shops here are staffed by women working alone, so we have a walkie-talkie system, free of charge, that staff can use to communicate concerns. We also have CCTV. This sense of security is one of the attractions of setting up a business in Bawtry – if it’s someone’s first time owning a florist’s shop, for instance, it provides a supportive and welcoming high street environment.
What other types of support can businesses expect when they set up here?
Doncaster City Council offers a package of support, including business grants. Our community – the Bawtry Retail Association – provides things like social media exposure and local business advice, such as where to get signage printed or who might be able to provide catering for a launch event. We also connect businesses that might not naturally collaborate – for example, a solicitor and a restaurant – helping to create a more integrated local economy.
There seems to be a trend in Bawtry where businesses have transitioned from being online-only to having a physical presence. This goes against the general idea that the UK high street is suffering. Why do you think Bawtry has been successful in that sense?
Twenty years ago, businesses were celebrating the fact that they had websites where customers could purchase their products. Then, social media platforms like Facebook became a major factor in online retail. However, now we’re seeing a shift back towards in-person shopping, particularly for certain products.
If you’re buying fast fashion, for example, you’ll probably order online – you can buy three sizes, return what doesn’t fit and often get free returns. But if you’re spending more money on a high-quality item, you want to try it on to make sure it’s right.
Another reason people are returning to the high street is that shopping is no longer just a one-stop trip. If you’re having your eyes tested at Bawtry Eye Academy, for example, you won’t just come into town for that – you’ll likely do some shopping while you’re here. If you need a gift for a children’s birthday party, you might stop by Little Terras and pick up some toys at the same time.
Destination shopping is becoming more popular – once people arrive, they want reasons to stay. That’s something we actively encourage here in Bawtry.
What would you say to someone considering setting up a business in Bawtry?
If someone is considering setting up a business in Bawtry, my first piece of advice would be to spend a day here and explore the area. Many people assume they need a prime high street location in the heart of town, and while that’s ideal, such spaces are in high demand and come at a premium price.
However, it’s worth considering slightly off-high-street locations, such as The Courtyard, Dower House Square and Swan Street. Bawtry is a small town, and people naturally explore all these areas, so footfall isn’t restricted to just the high street.
I’d also recommend speaking with local business owners, the retail association and myself – we can connect you with the right people to help you establish and sustain your business here.
