Owning a small business is a labour of love, and we love our small business owners! We asked the businesses of Moss End Garden Village to share a short story of why they decided to start their business, what they love about owning a business at Moss End, or just something entertaining about themselves… 

This week we’re introducing Applewood Kitchens.  Scott, his wife Sarah, and John (business partner) started Applewood Kitchens with the sole intention of offering a better way for people to be able to buy a quality fitted kitchen, taking away all of the associated hassles by providing a full on service that includes everything that all the other companies don’t want to do. They carry out all the work from conception to completion, coordinate every trade and make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently from beginning to end. 

Applewood are a Which trusted trader (unique in kitchens) and have well over 800 testimonials from delighted local customers.  During a tough economic climate, Scott and John have said that their secret has been sticking to their morals centred on customer values.

Scott said: “We’re celebrating 15 years in business this year which  is such a milestone for the business, so we are absolutely over the moon that we have gone from strength to strength over the years.”

Applewood Kitchens pride themselves on using local manufacturers, local architects and local inhouse designers meaning the whole process runs as smoothly as possible. “We’re a local firm looking after local people and the community has been behind us from day one.” Continued Scott.

When asked what they love about their business, Scott simply said, all the staff within it, we are like a family, we have all worked together for 15 years, and there is much love.

Outside of work, the team always put family first, as both have four grown up kids and grandchildren. Scott is a dedicated carp fisherman, and John loves his golf.

They love being at Moss End Garden Village as it’s a community, a large group of passionate entrepreneurs and staff members, offering a variety of products and services to the local community, what’s not to like! Everyone is nice and friendly.

We owe a lot to Steve Hyde (RIP) and his lovely wife Janet, who own the site, and provided us all with this amazing opportunity, Steve will not be forgotten.

You see it was the dream of the late Steve to create a hub where small, independent businesses could start out, grow and thrive. Sadly, Steve passed away in 2014, but not before he saw his dream become a reality. This dream continues to be led through Steve’s wife, Janet, and other members of the Hyde family. Continued investment in the site has created a space for an unbeatable shopping experience and a destination for the whole family.

And finally, something many people may not know about Scott is he can sing a bit, loves a bit of Elvis, it’s his thing, but he does ask we don’t put him to the test 😊.

With more than 44 independent retailers at Moss End Garden Village, this is just a small snapshot of some of the familiar faces you’ll see when you visit.

Come and visit to explore and discover a new shop you’ve never been to, and don’t forget to say hello to the owner!

To find a list of all businesses that call Moss End Garden Village home, click here.