Operating out of Ashington Town Centre for over 18 years, this cultural gift shop wanted to look inwards to gain deeper insights into their business and how it operates. 

Mind Body & Spirit is an independent, family business owned by Heather Gill, an experienced business owner and trained Crystal Therapist. The business brings a unique service to Ashington specialising in crystals, jewellery, piercings, spiritual readings and much more. With no other business quite like it, they offer a greatly appreciated splash of mysticism to the High Street.  

Though active on social media and well established in the local community, Heather was looking for more information about Mind Body & Spirit’s digital reach including how the business was performing online, and what could be implemented to increase their digital footprint. 

While looking for a solution, Heather became aware of Accelerate Ashington, a new tailored business support programme solely focused on the local area. Accelerate Ashington is a business support programme that is part of the High Street Innovation Programme (HSIP). The programme offers a range of support services to businesses and start-ups in Ashington Town Centre and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead.

As a business in Ashington Town Centre, Heather fit the eligibility criteria perfectly and she became the first business to sign up to the programmes Digital Audit support. 

The programmes Digital Audit service is delivered by The Retail Champion, digital experts who can analyse any digital activity currently being undertaken by a business and identify any opportunities to further develop and improve the use of digital tools within their operation. Included in the offer is a 1:1 meeting with one of the team to help implement changes and develop future business plans.  

Through investigating Mind Body & Spirits Facebook page, Google listing & new website they were able to create a comprehensive digital strategy with a clear breakdown of their recommendations. In addition, a marketing plan was developed which included short, medium- & long-term strategies with clear achievable checkpoints that Heather could implement.  

Heather said when asked about Accelerate Ashington, “The programme has been useful because after 18 years we’ve finally got a website that we can actually use. It’s going to be big for our new shop, knowing we’ve got a website. Customers ask if we have a website and now, we can say yes. ” 

“I’ve talked about this programme to a few friends, and I’d definitely recommend it. It’s been really good. I’d say to other businesses considering the programme to just do it, you’ve got nothing to lose, and you’ll get help with your social media and your website”. 

Kim Hulse of the Retail Champion said “As part of Clare’s team, we enjoy getting to know a business and helping them improve their digital presence by recommending a digital marketing strategy or campaign based on their needs. It was a delight working with Heather and we’re looking forward to seeing both the new website go live and the social media campaign over the coming months”. 

Armed with these new tools and a fresh outlook, Mind Body and Spirit are prepared for an exciting new future where their business can flourish and take advantage of the new opportunities coming to the Ashington Town Centre.