An independent Gloucester business has scaled up to a larger premises to help meet customer demand after a successful first year in the models and collectables trade.
Model enthusiast and entrepreneur John Hutchinson launched Gloster Models in March 2022, and has now taken on a larger premises at Space Business Centre in Gloucester after running out of room to house his expanding product range.
John praised Space Business Centres, which is owned by property developers AC Lloyd and has sites in Gloucester and Cheltenham, for its flexibility entrepreneurial environment, saying the location had been essential to the growth of the business.
John’s outlet at the Quedgeley-based Space Business Centre is a licensed Warhammer retailer and originally specialised in historical gaming and models.
The product range now includes three different Star Wars ranges, Flames of War – a World War II tabletop miniatures wargame, and traditional models from manufactures such as Airfix, as well as a variety of paints and finishing products.
A Gloster Models website is also in the works, with John hoping to attract customers from across the country, as well as visitors from Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas with a range of discounts and offers in store.
John said: “Like all businesses who are upscaling, we have faced challenges with increased overheads and tighter margins, but introducing discounts and then also having the piece of mind that we are on a 30-day rolling agreement at our premises at Space Business Centre have made it achievable.
“We are extremely excited about the next chapter with a new website under construction to connect us with the wider models and collectables market, while our new larger unit means we can offer a wider range of models – with even more Warhammer products, and Airfix now added to our range.”
Lucy Iles, Site Manager at Space Business Centres Gloucester and Cheltenham, said: “It’s extremely pleasing to see the progress John has made over the past few months, and showcases the potential that our flexible units have to support start-up businesses of all kinds.
“The new premises represent the next step for him and his businesses, and we are excited to see where he goes from there.”