Netflix hit film 'Bank of Dave' inspiration for owners of online businessVirtual Shopping Market Stalls to move to Burnley and open shop in Padiham

“The film showed Burnley in such a good light and really put the town on the map, how could we not want to move here?” said Emma.

Always keen to move North from their native Horsham in West Sussex, when the couple acquired a third dog and began making plans to adopt children, the deal was sealed to relocate to Lancashire for more space and a better lifestyle.

The husband and wife team are also business partners and this week they opened the doors of their new shop, Small Business Boutique, in the heart of Padiham. Describing the shop as an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ showcasing the wares of up to 55 independent businesses from across the UK, the venture began in lockdown online through their business Virtual Shopping Market Stalls (VSMS)

Emma said: “We initially started online to help people make some extra money in lockdown and when we came out of lockdown we wanted to continue to support independent businesses so we ran four three month ‘pop up’ shops in a shopping centre.”

Emma and Paul sold £120,000 worth of stock for the small businesses, a fantastic achievement considering that some of the items start with a £1 price tag. Their new shop, housed in a former tattoo and art studio in Central Buildings on Burnley Road, was officially opened by the Mayor of Padiham Coun. Mac Harrison, and customers are already flocking. With a range of goods on offer, from home-made fudge and candles to hand-made children’s clothes, home decor and jewellery, the shop is a real eye catcher.

Emma said: “We have received a really positive response and a warm welcome from other shops and businesses in Padiham, it has been really encouraging.”

While online buying has blossomed in popularity since the pandemic, Emma believes that people are turning back to the traditional way of shopping. She said: “Nothing beats being able to handle the product you are buying, feeling the quality and really appreciating it.”