Marlow Focus

Business Monthly, Maidenhead Advertiser, July 2009

Tamra Booth Marketing Manager for the Shanly Group spoke to Business Editor Carla Delaney in an interview on Marlow FM at the end of last month about how the face of Marlow's shopping is looking very positive.

"Our commercial property arm, Sorbon Estates owns a number of properties in many important provincial towns such as Marlow, Maidenhead, Windsor, Weybridge, High Wycombe, Amersham, Beaconsfield and further afield. All these towns including Marlow are suffering from shop vacancies at the moment, but this recession is attracting stable and viable tenants to complement those who are trading well."

"In fact, there has been a lot of interest in the last six months from some really fantastic retailers. So actually from our offices we feel it ís a very exciting time. Jojo Mama Bebe have just taken a shop in Marlow High Street, as well as the independent jeweller Bradleys, who sell beautiful jewellery that appeals to customers of all ages. They have both gone in and are fitting out at the moment."

"Although I do understand why on the face of it people might be worried about the vacant shops, there are very exciting things happening behind the scenes. We are just making sure we get the right people into those shops, businesses that 'fit' the town, and that Marlow continues to be an attractive destination shopping town, a title that it rightly deserves."

As far as commercial property in Maidenhead goes, Tamra is equally upbeat. "We are at the crest of a wave and Maidenhead can only get better. There are lots of people in Maidenhead who really care about the town centre and it is absolutely essential that the plans are pulled together in a logical and practical way. With the right mix of people involved, and everyone working together, Maidenhead will definitely be a great destination place in the next few years without question."