INDIE SPECIAL
INDIES! Up the This month we’re shining the spotlight on the superpowered independent businesses of Cambridgeshire Words LOUISE HOFFMAN
I t’s no secret that times are tough on the UK’s high streets right now, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, growing financial pressures and red tape among the many factors impacting small businesses in particular. But what determination, resilience, hard work and creativity it takes to face these daunting challenges as an individual or small team. Such strength of belief is required to even set foot on the path to independence, let alone stride out along it, navigating obstacle after obstacle to keep the dream alive – not just for the business owners themselves, but most importantly for the communities the businesses serve. This is where the true power of the indie lies, because it’s this passion that translates into the care, initiative and attention to detail that we get to enjoy every time we shop, eat, drink or step into a salon. This month is all about showing our support for what independents do. Sharing the love “People often assume that what we sell is the most important part of the business, but for me it’s always been about how people feel when they walk through the door,” affirms Wendy Smalley, owner of 40 Green Street. With 20-plus years of independent retail experience, Wendy has founded several successful shops. After raising her daughter, she found herself drawn back to the world she loves, opening 40 Green Street just over a year ago. Here, she curates an eclectic collection of interesting and unusual pieces, from hand-printed greetings cards and hand-rolled pure incense to statement pieces designed to conjure joy, colour and personality. Witnessing the effect the shop has on people – who often arrive feeling overwhelmed, distracted or weighed down by life, yet leave inspired and uplifted – is a constant source of pride that Wendy never takes for granted. “In a world that often feels rushed, creating a space that encourages people to slow down, discover and smile is something I am very proud of. If a visit
THE EXTRA MILE Cafe au Chocolat (left) and 40 Green Street (above) are all about making sure the customer has a great experience is spread to local communities by founder Krystyna Szypryt and her team through French-style culinary delights. “I believe in celebrating food experiences and giving people a taste of and insight into another culture,” she explains. A linguist who lived in and fell in love with France, Krystyna serves authentic sweet and savoury French crêpes, freshly made to order, alongside patisserie, luxury artisan chocolates, bespoke and single-origin coffees and organic hot chocolates. “There is nothing more rewarding than hearing a customer say: ‘Thank you, that was so good!’” she smiles. At Hot Numbers Coffee Roasters, where a range of coffees are now served at three cafes in the county, along with sourdough bread, cakes from the in- house bakery and a seasonal brunch menu, customer satisfaction is of equal importance. “We have a lot of regulars, some from the day we opened more than 15 years ago!” says owner Simon Fraser.
to 40 Green Street can brighten someone’s day, spark their curiosity or help them find something that brings lasting happiness to their home, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do,” she enthuses. It’s a similar story at Cafe au Chocolat, located on Green Street in Cambridge and Ironmonger Street in Stamford, where joy
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JULY 2026 09
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