High street shop revival

The tackle industry has been given a boost with the opening of at least five new high street businesses.
Budding entrepreneurs have opened their doors in the Midlands and Manchester in an attempt to ignite a retail revival.
Ryan Haye has started up RD Tackle in Brierley Hill, West Mids, after beginning by selling gear at car boot sales and online.
He told Angling Times: “Obviously it’s a tough business to come into, but we offer great customer service which is key to successful trading. You need to have the products anglers need and the knowledge to go with it.
 “We also have brands that other tackle companies in the area don’t, so that gives us an edge.”
Another shop bucking the trend is Trafford Tackle and Bait in Stretford, Manchester. Business has been brisk ever since the shop opened back in June, according to co-owner Jeff Smith.
“It’s going really well,” he said. “There’s no shop within a 30-minute drive of us, which is a big advantage, and we’re already looking to expand.”
Working with business partner Scott Wilding, Jeff devotes half the shop to carp tackle and the rest to match and pleasure fishing.
“The carp side has been brilliant for us,” said Jeff, who once worked  for Marks and Spencer. “We invested heavily – you have to if you’re to succeed in this game – but it’s starting to pay off now.”
Martyn Edwards decided to open his new shop in Warwickshire, Stratford on Avon Fishing and Outdoors Ltd, not only as a new livelihood but as a way of putting something back into the community.
“I’ve always had a passion to set up shop in the town where I live and fish and know a lot of anglers. My plan is to do more for the area’s youngsters and encourage them to take up the sport,” he said.