Paw-some new business comes to Forest Corner

The disused building was fully refurbished by the District Council and now has its first tenant, Ruby and Sophia’s Dog Bakery, an award winning artisan dog treat bakery and pet outfitters.

Danielle Louise Downs, the owner of Ruby and Sophia’s Dog Bakery, said: “We are an independent award winning artisan dog bakery; all our dog treats are handmade. We specialise in wheat and gluten free dog treats, a sensitive tummy range, pup cakes, birthday cakes, dognuts and a dog ice cream parlour. We also have a themed party area to host dog parties.

“Our dog treats have also been featured in several TV dramas and movies. We are qualified in dog nutrition and only use the best human grade ingredients.

“Obtaining this unique building has been a very seamless process and we couldn't wait to move in and be part of the community. It’s great to have so many local independent retailers here at Forest Corner.”

Also based at Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, is the Sherwood Forest Arts and Craft Centre which lies in the beautifully converted coach house and stables of the former Edwinstowe Hall. The centre hosts 16 different studios and has its own café with internal and external seating serving both hot and cold handmade food.

Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors, said:
“Following a traumatic two years for retailers post pandemic, it’s great to see independent businesses thriving in our towns and markets and having a new business opening at our Arts and Crafts Visitor Centre is great news.

“We want to continue to promote the importance of supporting our local retailers by encouraging as many residents as possible to shop locally and we provide our business with a range of different support, information and useful training courses through our Invest Newark and Sherwood team.”

The centre is home to a variety of unusual crafts including textiles and clothing, fossils and gemstones, coppersmith, candles, fabric crafts, hand crafted chocolate, homemade gin, handmade soap and much more. Visitors can buy unique and original gifts directly from the people who make them. Visitors are encouraged to combine a visit to the arts and crafts centre with a trip to Sherwood Forest for a great family day!

As part of the District Council’s ongoing campaign to support local businesses, if your business is based in Newark and Sherwood, it can offer a range of essential and helpful support, including:

• advice on business rates payable and on charitable and rate relief
• advice on starting a food business, including registration and food safety management
• support and start-up assistance for new traders at Newark and Southwell markets
• season tickets for Newark and Southwell car parks and also parking for HGVs at Newark lorry park
• discounted membership packages for businesses at leisure centres throughout the district

To find out more about the Sherwood Forest Arts and Crafts Visitor Centre, and the Ruby and Sophia’s Dog Bakery, visit www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/sfacc.

For more information regarding business growth and support, please visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website.