Peterborough Community Retail Venture Surpasses £1m in Sales, Boosting SME Growth

A community retail initiative in Peterborough has exceeded £1m in cumulative sales, supporting more than 50 small and independent businesses through a shared retail model.

Up The Garden Bath, a community interest organisation focused on upcycling and social enterprise, launched the Unity store at Queensgate Shopping Centre in 2023 to provide low-barrier retail space for SMEs, local makers and early-stage entrepreneurs.

The project secured a three-year lease extension in 2024, ensuring operational continuity and enabling further growth within a high-footfall retail environment.

Founder Dave Poulton said the milestone reflects sustained consumer demand for locally produced goods and the viability of community-led retail as an alternative route to market. He described the model as demonstrating how small businesses can scale revenue through shared infrastructure and collective visibility.

In addition to retail activity, the Unity site has delivered community-facing programmes, including educational workshops attended by more than 30,000 families, contributing to skills development and local engagement.

The organisation has also diversified its offering through the launch of Goal2Grow, a recommerce initiative focused on second-hand football kits aimed at improving affordability for lower-income households. The project has received backing from former England international David James.

Despite its growth, the organisation has faced cost pressures, including a £20,000 business rates liability in the past year, highlighting ongoing challenges for community enterprises operating within commercial retail settings.

Poulton said the platform has enabled participating businesses to increase revenues, expand customer reach and improve commercial sustainability, with some transitioning from micro-enterprise to more established operations.

The organisation is now focused on scaling the model, with plans to expand access to retail, training and income-generating opportunities, positioning community enterprise as a contributor to local economic development and SME growth.