Researching an area....I would very much appreciate some advice :-)

fusar

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone knows the Farnworth area of Bolton? I am looking to open my own business, so that I can be a little more flexible and leave my full-time job. A friend of mine has an empty shop in Farnworth and has offered it to me at a very discounted rate. I have visited the area on a few occasions and researched types of businesses there through the internet. There is a population of 29,000 residents according to the last survey.

I am thinking of opening a really nice, modern and quite funky (even though I say so myself!) Italian restaurant and Coffee house. In the day it would be like a café with hot drinks, sarnies and a reduced hot menu and in the evening it would be a bit more of a formal restaurant. At the moment, from what I have seen, there are quite a few take-aways in the main shopping street (which is where the shop is situated) but no restaurants.

I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about the area and the people there? Or just had any general advice? I want to make sure that I have researched as much as possible before I jump in with both feet!

Many thanks in advance for your help!
Kind Regards
Sarah

Jarvissa

Right, I've never been to Farnworth but I just asked my boyfriend (who's from Walkden, North Manchester) what its like... and whilst pulling a face (which I can't decipher) he said that people there "haven't got two pennies to rub together."

Sorry, not much of an inisght for you there! but he seems to think it's a fairly poor, working class area... so that might be something to consider.. ie: if the people in the area will have enough disposable income to go out for meals etc. (incidentally that might be why there aren't any restaurants there already...?)

Good luck anyway

barrymung

Is there maybe a trade association or chamber of commerce in the town you could contact?

rupiereeves

Yes I agree, Farnworth isn't the most affluent area if I'm being polite. I would say if there are plans to regenerate the area then maybe but otherwise i would look at maybe the centre of Bolton or maybe even Bury area. Also think about where the Metro runs as alot of people use this when they don't want to drive.