Two West Wiltshire firms have come up with a rather novel idea of sharing the same premises at a time when many businesses are feeling the pinch in tough economic times.

The two companies, funeral directors DJ Bewley and florist Flowers in Focus, have worked closely for several years and feel their two businesses complement each other to such an extent that they have both moved in to a new development at Ushers Court in Manvers Street, Trowbridge.

An official opening of their new premises is planned for September 28 when they will be inviting local dignitaries and associated businesses.

“We have been working on this joint venture for some time and we’re proud to be opening together,” said DJ Bewley’s partner Patrik Bewley and Mark Davies, proprietor of Flowers in Focus who found their premises opposite the new Sainsbury’s superstore with the help of the Bath office of property agent Carter Jonas.

The two firms operate only a few doors apart in Bank Street, Melksham and they both see the sharing venture as a perfect fit.

Mr Bewley who runs the independent family-run funeral directors with his wife Cheryl and son Ryan, said: “We identified a need for our family business in the local area at a time of sadness and we aim to make every effort to be involved in our community and create the kind of personal relationship which leads to an individual and sensitive service.”

Their daughter Krystyle, who is 18 and just left college, joined the company in August.
To celebrate their opening, DJ Bewley, who will retain its Duke Street office as a chapel, has chosen the Association of Air Ambulances as its nominated charity in October and will be donating £40 to the organisation for every pre-paid funeral plan arranged that month.

Mr Davies and his wife Helen, who took over running of his father’s florists business five years ago and will also continue with his shop in Melksham, said: “Although we are based in the same premises as DJ Bewley, we hope customers will soon appreciate that we operate a full flowers for any occasion service as well as providing flowers for funerals.”

The Ushers Court units front the apartments developed by Newland Homes and include a showhome office, soon to be occupied by an independent mortgage broker. Scottie’s Hair Design was the first business to move in.

Carter Jonas partner Colin Scragg said with only one unit left, Manvers Street is now a popular location having becoming increasingly busy since the Sainsbury’s development opened opposite.

Also in Trowbridge Carter Jonas has let 23 Castle Street to Felix Walsh and Ben Gregory, partners in Digi Print, which also has branches in Bath and Chippenham. The print shop opened last month offering a complete print package from business cards to wide format printing.