TESSA BACKS SMALL BUSINESS TO THRIVE IN GLASTONBURY

8.04.21am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Prospective Liberal Democrat candidate for the Wells Constituency, Tessa Munt, visited a tattoo and body piercing parlour to see how independent businesses can make a go of things, despite the credit crunch.

Tessa went along to Inkside Out, run by Flint Read, and Avalon Body Piercing, owned by his wife Emma King, to see them at work in their Avalon Buildings site.

The couple have been running their joint business since 2006, and they now employ a junior artist, Sam Alexander, to keep up with demand.

Emma said: "As a small business we are not doing too badly, and we are now used to the seasonal trading situation in Glastonbury where it is really busy from March to September but very quiet for the rest of the year.

"Glastonbury has done better than most towns because of the lack of chain stores which might have closed down, but you still have to have a good head for business to succeed.

"Some traders come to Glastonbury and act a bit mad thinking they are safe, but you cannot put all your eggs in one basket and you have to be flexible."

Tessa was impressed with the enterprise shown by Emma and Flint, and she backed small businesses to shine in the town.

Tessa commented "I had a fascinating afternoon watching Emma piercing a client's lip, and Flint starting work on a complex design on a client's arm. Both Emma and Flint explained the difficulties they have faced with bureaucracy as a relatively new small business and in common with others in their position, find the over-regulation a frustration."

"Vince Cable, Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor, has policy proposals to help small businesses just like "Inkside Out" thrive. I'll be sending a copy to Emma and Flint shortly. If you would like a copy, please contact me on tessa@tessa4wells.com or write to Freepost BS8452, Somerset BA4 4BR."

Emma is a qualified teacher, and one of the ways of diversifying her business is to run a body piercing school to train people in the art.

She is planning to run a four-day course from March 22 to 25, and for more information, contact her on 01458 833605.