Raising A Pint For Guildford’s Independent Businesses

Published on: 11 Aug, 2020
Updated on: 14 Aug, 2020

Independent Guildford business, Growlers & Cans, is running a collaborative campaign with photographer, Rob Blackham of Blackham Images to showcase a range of the town’s firms that they feel deserve our recognition and support.

Growler & Cans photo gallery of people behind the independent businesses in Guildford. Photos by Rob Blackham, Blackham Images

The specialist craft beer taproom and bottle shop is urging us to get to know more about the people behind our much-loved local businesses with the innovative photography project.

The walls of its taproom in Chertsey Street are adorned with the faces of numerous different small business owners in Guildford, and each fortnight it will be highlighting five individuals and the stories behind their businesses.

The launch of the initiative coincides with ‘Shop Local Week’, a government campaign that runs from August 10 to 17 as part of its #EnjoySummerSafely programme.

Growlers & Cans, 24 Chertsey Street, Guildford.

Maxine Martin, co-owner of Growler & Cans with husband Charlie, said: “We wanted to create a project that celebrated the amazing selection of independent businesses that Guildford has to offer, and their very resourceful nature.

“Our photo gallery aims to give a snapshot of the faces in front of the town’s local businesses, humanising the bricks and mortar by providing the stories behind them.

“We want to encourage people to learn more about and engage with these businesses in a relaxed environment, by getting to know their ‘locals’ in our local.”

Amanda Masters, CEO of Experience Guildford, said: “We couldn’t do without our independent businesses. They help Guildford stand out as unique and different to our neighbours, driving our ‘destination’ status and drawing in customers from a large catchment area.

“They also offer an invaluable contribution to our local economy. We urge visitors to continue to support these businesses as they get back on their feet following lockdown. If we don’t, we may lose some of them for good.”

To see the display in the flesh, visit the taproom at 24 Chertsey Street, or visit www.experienceguildford.com who will be publishing all the business profiles during the eight-week campaign period.