News: Antiques shop is ahead of the times
Chris Hamby is not afraid to try new things to keep his Rotherham business ahead of the times in the fast moving retail sector.
Hamby's is a family run business which dates back to 1961, but owner Chris Hamby has not rest on his laurels. Originally a credit drapers, supplying clothing, footwear, furniture and decorating supplies to villages and ran by his parents, Hamby's has received an overhaul over the last 50 years, moving into new markets to offer customers what they really want.
As part of his ambitious heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre, Hamby now runs a successful footwear store and an antiques shop, and is continually trying out new things.
Chris (pictured above, left with apprentice, Ashley) said: "I suppose you could say I'm an innovative type of retailer, in that I don't just want to focus my business down one route, I want to try new things and be the best I can be in several areas. Both businesses challenge me in different ways, but my passion drives me to ensure both are a success.
"To me it is vital to stay ahead of the game, and I have looked into different initiatives over the years to ensure I do just that. Last year we contacted an Account Manager at The Source to help us develop the business further and grow our workforce. The Source had some fantastic suggestions including WorldHost customer service training and recruiting an Apprentice. I had no idea how recruiting an apprentice could benefit me, but it has been phenomenal."
Based at Meadowhall, The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector.
A Rotherham base opened on the High Street in 2011 with support from Rotherham Council and the Skills Funding Agency. It offers advice, guidance and training services to Rotherham businesses to increase skills levels, create apprenticeship opportunities and to support trade in the town centre.
Chris added: "Taking on an apprentice has been a real eye opener for me. Our first apprentice in the Antiques Shop made such an impact on the way we work, taking on additional responsibilities above his job description that we decided to recruit a second apprentice to work in our Footwear Shop.
"My best piece of advice for running a successful retail business is to never stand still. Don't be reactive, stay ahead of the times and you will succeed. It could be anything from expanding into new markets, utilising different initiatives to grow your business or sharing best practice with neighbouring retailers; it's all valuable for growth."
Hamby's website
The Source website
Images: The Source
Hamby's is a family run business which dates back to 1961, but owner Chris Hamby has not rest on his laurels. Originally a credit drapers, supplying clothing, footwear, furniture and decorating supplies to villages and ran by his parents, Hamby's has received an overhaul over the last 50 years, moving into new markets to offer customers what they really want.
As part of his ambitious heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre, Hamby now runs a successful footwear store and an antiques shop, and is continually trying out new things.
Chris (pictured above, left with apprentice, Ashley) said: "I suppose you could say I'm an innovative type of retailer, in that I don't just want to focus my business down one route, I want to try new things and be the best I can be in several areas. Both businesses challenge me in different ways, but my passion drives me to ensure both are a success.
"To me it is vital to stay ahead of the game, and I have looked into different initiatives over the years to ensure I do just that. Last year we contacted an Account Manager at The Source to help us develop the business further and grow our workforce. The Source had some fantastic suggestions including WorldHost customer service training and recruiting an Apprentice. I had no idea how recruiting an apprentice could benefit me, but it has been phenomenal."
Based at Meadowhall, The Source Skills Academy is a flagship centre providing state of the art training and development facilities with a focus on the retail and service sector.
A Rotherham base opened on the High Street in 2011 with support from Rotherham Council and the Skills Funding Agency. It offers advice, guidance and training services to Rotherham businesses to increase skills levels, create apprenticeship opportunities and to support trade in the town centre.
Chris added: "Taking on an apprentice has been a real eye opener for me. Our first apprentice in the Antiques Shop made such an impact on the way we work, taking on additional responsibilities above his job description that we decided to recruit a second apprentice to work in our Footwear Shop.
"My best piece of advice for running a successful retail business is to never stand still. Don't be reactive, stay ahead of the times and you will succeed. It could be anything from expanding into new markets, utilising different initiatives to grow your business or sharing best practice with neighbouring retailers; it's all valuable for growth."
Hamby's website
The Source website
Images: The Source
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