Discover...
x
Running a small independent shop on the high street takes creativity, resilience and constant adaptability. At Business Sheffield, we’re here to make sure business owners don’t have to face those challenges alone. Through our dedicated High Street Advisors, we provide one-to-one support, helping Sheffield’s independent retailers build confidence, plan strategically and grow stronger.
Moonko is a beautifully curated shop and creative brand run by Deborah Moira Nelson. It brings together dried flowers, music, prints and handmade products created in collaboration with local artists. For over a decade, Deborah has built a space that celebrates creativity and craft in the heart of Sheffield.
After more than 12 years running her shop, Deborah had faced many of the challenges familiar to independent retailers. Shifts in the high street, changes in shopping habits and the daily pressures of running a business had started to take their toll.
“Being a shop owner or an artist, even though I have lots of wonderful friends around me, can be extremely lonely,” she says. “It felt quite isolating at times.”
That’s when she reached out to our team for support. Working with her advisor gave her the chance to step back, talk through ideas and explore ways to strengthen her business.
“Business Sheffield were wonderful because it gave me the opportunity to talk through the ideas, look at strategy, planning and also just to help confidence, self-worth and just be a real support and mentorship within what I was doing,” says Deborah. “So it felt a little bit less isolating.”
Our advisors helped Deborah focus her creative energy on the ideas that could make the biggest difference, guiding her through business strategy, pricing, product placement and wholesale opportunities.
“I am somebody with lots and lots of ideas and sometimes I just need a little bit of focus,” she explains. “Business Sheffield were able to help me focus on certain ideas that may be more profitable, maybe would work better than others. They also helped me in terms of looking at my shop environment, product placement, pricing strategy and wholesaling.”
What makes our approach unique is that our advisors are part of the community they support. They don’t just offer guidance; they check in, listen and stay connected.
“I have a high street advisor and they’re often up and down the street,” says Deborah. “Sometimes they’ll just pop in and say hi. They keep an eye on everybody and that’s really special. They go beyond their actual jobs because they care about Sheffield, the high street and the people they work with.”
We’re proud to support passionate entrepreneurs like Deborah, helping them navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses that keep Sheffield’s high streets vibrant.
If you own a business on the high street, our High Street Advisors are here to help. They can support you with everything from licensing and business rates to council services, strategy and growth planning. Get in touch with us at businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 224 5000 for free one-to-one advice and support.