Why pandemic has made people follow their dreams and set up their own business

Town centres are fighting back as empty shops are filled by independent traders striking out on their own.

Rather than proving an obstacle, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for a fresh start.

Birstall is rapidly becoming a hub for independents all prepared to help each other during times of crisis.

The latest trader to open her doors - and close them again only four days later due to lockdown 2 - is mum-of-two Emma Noble, who runs The Bombz Hydrotherapy in Market Place.

Birstall born-and-bred Emma quit her job as a painter and decorator to open a shop and turn her hobby making bath bombs into a fully-fledged business.

Emma started making bath bombs with children Abbie, now 16, and JK, 13, as something to do as a family after their dad Phil died three years ago.

While Abbie and JK moved on to other teenage pastimes, Emma began trading on Facebook.

Her plans to open a shop were put on hold in March but even with a second lockdown looming Emma decided to take the plunge.

“I opened on Halloween and we had to close four days later,” said Emma. “The four days we had, though, were overwhelming and I tripled what I expected my sales to be.

“It’s only my little hobby but it’s proved to be so popular.”

Emma took time to create her recipes and get all the necessary approvals in place. She makes bath bombs for everyone including children and men - the Man Bomb!

There’s also bombs made with essential oils, perfect for these stressful times.

“I want to bring a bit of colour to people’s lives,” said Emma. “Less worry, more colour.

“The thing about lockdown is that we have to carry on, adjust and keep moving forward.”

One of the other traders Emma is working with is Anita Atkins, 57, who runs Kanteli, a curiosity shop.

Emma lost her job in March and took on the former newsagent’s shop that’s been in her family for 90 years.

She opened Kanteli - named after her children Karina, Antonio and Elizabeth - in September and hasn’t looked back.

“I was always interested in antiques and when I lost my job I thought this was the ideal opportunity to do what I wanted to do,” she said.

Both Emma and Anita continue to trade offering click and collect during lockdown.