Shropshire Star

Knighton’s Costcutter has new owner

A man has returned to his roots and become the new owner of a convenience store he first managed a decade ago.

Published
Chris Hayward and John Ewens. Picture: @GingerPixiePhotography

John Ewens, 67, has returned to take over the Costcutter store in Knighton, Powys.

It comes after the Development Bank of Wales invested £200,000 to support the leasehold purchase and refurbishment of the store.

Mr Ewens believes the store will help retain and bring new people to the high street.

“We help feed other stores and Knighton as a whole," he said. "It’s more important than ever to keep our market town alive and thriving. Costcutter is the largest business on the high street here and draws lots of customers into the town where they can visit other smaller businesses.

“This funding allows my plans to become a reality; the purchase of the store, a redecoration of the exterior, updating the branding, replace the dated equipment and undergo a full refit. Customers expect an experience when they go into a shop and it’s important to stay on par with the supermarkets.”

Convenience stores in Wales provide almost 23,000 jobs to local people. This investment helps safeguard 15 members of staff.

Chris Hayward, investment executive for the Development Bank of Wales, said: “We invested in the business because we liked John’s rationale for the refurbishment, to draw more shoppers to the high street, and we wanted to be a part of that. He has a wealth of experience owning and managing stores of this type and is familiar with the Knighton branch having managed the store in the late 2000s. I’m looking forward to seeing how the store develops and helps Knighton thrive.”

Mr Ewens was introduced to the Development Bank by Christie Finance.

He said: “Both the Development Bank and Christie Finance were very easy to work with and the smooth process allowed us to begin the refit immediately. They looked at my plans in a different way and saw the bigger picture.”

Lawrence Roberts, finance consultant at Christie Finance added: “Upon meeting John, it was evident that he had both the experience and passion to re-enter the market, especially with the Knighton store with which he has a lot of history. At Christie Finance, we pride ourselves on delivering the best and most competitive funding for our clients.

“Initially we match the client with a lender or bank who can, firstly, grant the funding required and secondly, be as passionate as the client about the purchase. It was a pleasure working with John and Chris throughout this purchase.”

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