Continuing our series of great businesses in the Malmesbury and surrounding area, we’re focusing this month on the following five companies, to acknowledge the contribution they make to our local economy.

(And remember, if you are involved in a local business or organisation with a success story, then do let us know – we’d love to feature you in a future article!)

French Grey Interiors

This stylish store brings a touch of elegance to the High Street and is a wonderful example of the creativity and individuality we like to celebrate. From decorated door knobs to letters in lights, there is always something out of the ordinary to be found here, whether you’re looking for scarves, jewellery or beautiful accessories for the home. This small chain of four independently owned gift and interior shops has been in business since 2005, with stores in Bath, Cirencester, Tetbury as well as Malmesbury and has been online for the last five years. Long live style and elegance in Malmesbury!

Hobbs House Bakery

This is a true family business with five generations of baking experience and has been based in the Cotswolds since the 1920’s. At Proposito we often advise family businesses on succession planning so it is great to see this business proudly bringing up its sixth generation of aspiring bakers. Hobbs House have a firm held belief that handmade bread should be available to everyone. Their expert team of bakers produce a range of high quality breads, pastries and confectionery and it is apparent that they bring their ingrained passion for baking to work every day, keen to be at the cutting edge of product innovation.

With shops in Chipping Sodbury, Nailsworth and Tetbury, it has been wonderful to see them opening another of their appetising shops here in Malmesbury at the end of January. As well as selling their award-winning bread, they also share their passion and expertise for what they do by helping you to become an expert at their cookery school, so why not sign up for one of their popular sourdough classes?

Old Bell Hotel

And now, from a newcomer in Malmesbury to one of the most established. The Old Bell Hotel is a charming and luxurious hotel and is in fact reputed to be one of England’s oldest hotels. It could be described as a boutique bolthole with an impressive history of exceptional hospitality, dating back to 1220. It’s a great example of building a strong reputation based on customer service and high standards and in today’s world of chain and mass market similarity, it’s beautiful, individually designed bedrooms stand out. With original gins, guest ales and pancake celebrations, they offer something for everyone to get involved with.

Crocodile Shop

For something a little different, we thought we’d also feature this traditional and independent toy shop, which has been trading just down the road in Cirencester for over thirty years. It has a nationwide reputation for supplying quality traditional toys. Not only that but it has a whole room devoted to LEGO! A great example of catering to a specific target audience! As well as it’s shop, it also has an extensive online store. Crocodile also proves that it is a social animal with an impressive following on Facebook and Twitter.

Ride 24/7

You often hear the phrase that cycling is the new golf and Ride 24/7 are certainly catering for the needs of their fans. Based in Cirencester, it is a large, independent, family run cycle shop catering for every kind of cyclist. They’ve expanded to offer a larger upstairs showroom and stock a huge choice of models including stock hybrid, commuter, mountain, sportive and road racing bikes. However, they also offer a full repairs and advice service, with a fully equipped workshop and bike fitting service.

For them, what it most important is the customer service they offer and their honest, low-pressure advice. The shop is just the start though as they offer a much wider range of activities for their customers from club nights, TalkNights and even a race team. What comes across is their passion in all that they do. The owners have also been working on the Flyup 417 Project over the last few years, aiming to create the best and most accessible mountain bike venue in the UK, by transforming 100 acres of private land in Gloucestershire.