'Supporting independent shops and the makers and craftspeople who supply them is something we feel strongly about at H&G – these are 50 of the best across the UK, according to our team and your suggestions'

 

In the mid 1990s my mother and step father decided to expand their architectural salvage business. They created the Period House Shop in Ludlow and, together with son Simon, developed a retail business that was to supply the rare, essential, specialist materials and objects that were becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Some was sourced from existing specialist manufacturers but much of the stock was commissioned from brass and iron foundries in the Midlands, blacksmith shops around the Marches, Shropshire joiners and carpenters and others. The hope was that good quality, accurate restoration of domestic local property could be carried out a little easier. 30 years later we are still here and continue on the same theme.

 

So, the Period House Shop has been named as one of House & Garden's 50 Best Independent Shops for 2025. It isn't easy for small businesses like ours to thrive at the moment but this award celebrates, what they call, 'the brilliant ones'. We all do our best to make our local community a better place to live, shop and gather.

 

House & Garden are a strong supporter of independent shops and we appreciate their work generating as much interest and excitement as possible through their initiative.

 

A big thank you to all who voted for/ suggested our shop. This is a big deal for us and is deeply appreciated. We've learnt about quite a few other businesses too from the article and will be making visits during 2025.