New Dawley print shop aims to make its mark on the high street

31st January 2023

A new printing shop is aiming to create a lasting impression on the high street after opening in Dawley.

Local Print Stop offers a range of tailored and branded merchandise including school uniforms, hen party sashes, t-shirts, mugs, workwear, polo shirts and other items.

The shop, which has received a business start-up grant through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme, fills a gap for a printed merchandise service in Dawley.

It is a great addition to the high street and the business has secured a vacant retail unit which had previously been empty for six months.

Owner Michael Fennell already has an industrial unit in Telford for printing large volumes of merchandise but this new shop, located at 24, High Street, will allow him to front up his business and show off a range of printed products.

The shop will also provide an in person service where customers can come and take a look at examples of the branded products for themselves.

Michael is keen to engage with clothing charities through his business and strengthen links with other businesses in Dawley and across Telford and Wrekin.

The front end of the shop is a showroom and the remaining space is an area where the merchandise is printed.

Michael said: “We're really excited to bring Local Print Stop to Dawley high street to keep on improving on what is already great about Dawley. 

“The council have been nothing but supportive and quick to respond in regards to getting the grant sorted."

Since the Pride in Our High Street programme was launched in 2019, a total of 20 grants have supported Dawley high street businesses– helping them to set up on the high street, improve their shop frontages and reduce costs by becoming more environmentally sustainable.

They include business start-up grants, business start-up trial grants, façade grants, digital grants and diversification grants.

Telford & Wrekin Council has also helped to secure a new permanent home for Dawley Post Office on Burton Street which is set to open soon.

In addition, the council has finalised a deal to bring Tesco Express to Dawley High Street in the unit vacated by the Co-op in summer 2022, which is set to open in Spring 2023.

Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, said: “We are committed to bringing new businesses to Dawley and other high streets across the borough through our Pride in Our High Street programme.

“Local Print Stop has filled a vacant empty unit but this business venture is also bringing something different to the high street which we hope will be a popular new service and attract customers from Dawley and beyond.

“This latest addition is a further boost for Dawley, with Tesco Express and a permanent Post Office opening in the town very shortly.”

You can find out more about the Pride in Our High Street revive and thrive grants here.