Three generations help family business continue success after 25 years

A SUCCESSFUL family business in Melksham is celebrating 25 years of trading in the town. 

The Cobblers Bench first opened its doors in the Littlebrook Centre in 1990 and since then, three generations of the same family have helped make the shoe repair specialists a success.

Nic Clyde first took ownership of The Cobblers Bench at the age of 19, with her mother Dot, after completing an apprenticeship in shoe repairs. 12 years later they moved to their current location at 18 Bath Road.

At the time Nic was one of only 23 cobblers in the country and the popular shop also offers key cutting, trophies, engraving and much more.

Since then, the team has been joined by Nic’s teenage daughter Leah, who helps out at weekends.

Throughout the past two and a half decades the shop has been well supported by the growing Melksham community and Nic feels this has been key to their success. She said, “To still be open 25 years later is amazing and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from the local community and those loyal customers who have become great friends over the years.

“With the recent recession it’s not too common for a small family business to survive but actually we think the recession has helped us. We feel people have become more careful with their money so they are repairing their shoes rather than just buying new ones, so in a way it has helped us.

“Melksham has changed massively in recent years and it is only set to grow and the services we offer are those that will always be needed, so we are hopeful that we can continue to do well in the coming years.”

Nic’s mother Dot said, “I think our success is due to Nic’s skills and the service we provide, which attracts people from the surrounding towns and villages, as well as from within Melksham. Here’s to the next 25 years!”

The Cobblers Bench on Bath Road is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am-5pm, and Saturday from 9.30am-4.30pm.