SURREY SMALL BUSINESS SHOUT OUT
It is sometimes said, that there are no friends in business, but, at Carousel, we beg to differ.
As a family business, we firmly believe in supporting fellow family-run companies, independent retailers and female-led businesses.
We love discovering and sharing the work of steadfast sole traders, passionate partnerships and entrepreneur extraordinaires.
This page is a homage to the legendary endevours of our favourite small businesses and new start-ups in Surrey; an ovation to the home counties' most outstanding artisans and creatives, as well as, an outpouring of appreciation for the unwavering hard work of our stellar local schools, stalwart community projects and standout charities.
We hope sharing their stories and celebrating their achievements on this page acts as a hub of empowerment and further success for all involved!
Personal Trainer
MARTHA MARY FITNESS
This brilliant Surrey-based personal trainer is an absolute powerhouse. Not only is she the best PT around, but Martha also happens to be one third of the Carousel sister trio!
Massive kudos to her for somehow juggling working as our ultra-efficient finance director, whilst also raising two beautiful small humans AND studying to become a Personal Trainer.
Now fully qualified, to the highest level (with distinction), Martha offers personal training for men, women and teens of all abilities and ages at Godalming Leisure Centre, or from the comfort of your home. She also runs twice-weekly Buggy Fit group sessions which enable, time-starved parents, the opportunity to meet new friends and get in some exercise, whilst also spending time with your baby.
Martha Mary's specialist subject is women's health and fitness, including pre and postnatal exercise. Her expertise lies in creating personalised workouts, designed for safe and effective weight loss, strength building and posture improvement, as well as, core and pelvic floor muscle restoration.
With a first-class BSC degree in food nutrition, Martha is also more than happy - and able - to offer advice on healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
Check out her website for more information.
Beacon Hill Ice Cream ShOP
SCOOP
Another family member - this time our wondrous cousin, William and his glorious wife, Marcia, who run Scoop - otherwise known as the coolest ice cream shop ever! Based in Beacon Hill, in Surrey, Scoop ice cream palour offers truly delectable gelato from Italy that makes for the most incredible ice cream cones and milkshakes. They also serve insanely good fresh single-origin coffee from Brazil, as well as teas, hot chocolate, homemade cakes and biscuits, luxury chocolates and traditional sweets. Plus they have a wide selection of cards and gifts.
Scoop is easily accessible, just 5 minutes from the A3 Hindhead tunnel turn off. They are open seven days a week with parking outside! Get yourself down there pronto!
Artist & Illustrator
ABBY HOBBS
This wonderfully talented human is Abby Hobbs - artist extraordinaire and master of children's book illustration (Cambridge School of Art).
Back in 2021, Abby took on the mega challenge of illustrating Carousel founder, David Turvey's, bumper 50-verse children's poem, The Bedtime Rhyme. Given the book's number of pictures and the level of exceptional detail, Abby deserves every accolade going. She also deserves to be kicking back, taking a breather, however, there is no stopping Abby... Somehow she has also found time to lend her pens and sprinkle her magic on the pages of several other fantastic children's books, as well as her bespoke range of prints, wall art, stationery, bunting, clothing and accessories.
Vegan Butter
FRESH BETTER
Ex butterholics, our (supposedly-retired!) parents, Clare and David, were unable to find a decent plant-based spread when they took the vegan leap back in 2016, so they decided to make their own! And it's incredible! Fresh BETTER is not only BETTER for the planet, BETTER for animals and BETTER for your conscience, it also tastes BETTER than Butter. Don't believe us? Give it a try! Available to buy direct, or from zero-waste retailer, For Earth's Sake
Customised T-Shirts
INK ROAD
Another side hussle, this time from our innovative operations manager - Thiago, who alongside his lovely wife, founded the super cool t-shirt company, Inkroad. Ink Road has been operating since 2010 and offers a huge selection of customisable t-shirts in an array of fun and novelty designs. Their bespoke tshirts are brilliant value and excellent quality - available in virtually every colour and size until the sun, making it easy to find the perfect one!
TAMBA
TWINS TRUST
Twins Trust is a charity close to our heart, that provides information, advice and community for parents of twins, triplets and more. Since its inception as TAMBA (Twins and Multiple Births Association) over 40 years ago, the Twins Trust has campaigned for improved care standards, research and public policy for families with multiples. In addition, Twins Trust run an exclusive discount partnership scheme with popular retailers, theme parks, cinemas and more
ZERO WASTE SHOP
FOR EARTH'S SAKE
Led by Vanessa Ford-Robbins and her dedicated team, For Earth's Sake, in Surrey, is a beacon of eco-consciousness, championing sustainability and inspiring positive change. Since its inception in 2019 as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), For Earth's Sake has become a haven for eco-conscious shoppers, promoting mindful consumption and plastic reduction.
For Earth's Sake's newly located zero waste shop has now opened in Upper House Lane (GU5 0SX), and they remain committed to their mission of reducing unnecessary waste and fostering a culture of no-waste living.
With a huge selection of organic fresh fruits and veg, grown in the UK, along with sustainably sourced, tinned food and household goods, For Earth's Sake also has the ultimate range of dispensable dried produce, including pasta, rices, grains, seeds, cereals, herbs and spices. They also have a host of oils and vinegars, shampoos, conditioners, rinse aid for dishwashers, washing up liquid and many more household laundry and cleaning products, all of which can be decanted into your own reusable containers, bottles, jars and bags.
For Earth's Sake is open Wednesday - Saturday, 9:30am-4:30pm. They also offer fill your containers for you - Simply drop them off with your shopping list and they'll have your order ready to collect the next day! Our planet won't wait, and neither should you!
HANDMADE CURTAINS & SOFT FURNISHINGS
SUSAN TAYLOR DESIGNS
This fabulous, female-run, family business is Susan Taylor Designs. Specialising in bespoke soft furnishings, including made-to-measure curtains, blinds, cushions and upholstery, Susan Taylor has over 35 years experience in the trade. As well as being expert seamstresses, these amazing ladies are masters of creativity, designing unique window dressings and home accessories, that perfectly reflect their clients' style and personality, bringing ideas and visions to life with unparalleled attention to detail. Sue and her daughters' passion for textiles, colour, and artistry shines through in every piece they create and each of their beautiful bespoke products is imbued with a sense of warmth and sophistication that transforms any space. Susan Taylor's studio is located in the Bramley Business Centre, just outside Guildford, in Surrey.
dining with a view
HILLTOP KITCHEN
With a vision to offer a haven for coffee and cake enthusiasts, a retreat for weary walkers and cyclists, and a relaxing spot for food aficionados in Surrey, Hilltop Kitchen promises an unforgettable experience. Secluded in the picturesque rolling countryside, Hill Top boasts views every bit as spectacular as its food. Guests are treated to sumptuous menus celebrating local produce, expertly prepared and served amidst the scenic beauty of the Surrey Hills. Throughout the year, proprietors, Alex and Sam, also orchestrate Hilltop Dinners, a series of exclusive supper clubs set in enchanting locations around the farm. From dishes cooked over open flames to leisurely shared meals at communal tables, accompanied by fine English wines and cocktails, each gathering at Hilltop is a true celebration of culinary delight.
Want to be Friends?
If you're a small business based in and around the Surrey area, and you'd like to be featured, please contact us, and let us know.