Earlier this year, we welcomed John to Space Gloucester. Read his story as part of our April business spotlight.
A Gloucester man has added the finishing touches to a new one-stop shop for collectors and hobbyists in Gloucestershire and beyond.
Model enthusiast John Hutchinson, 57, has launched Gloster Models, building a life-long hobby into a full-time job with a new brick and mortar destination where visitors can find all manner of collectable models and toys to feed their hobbies.
The outlet, based in Space Business Centre, Quedgeley, specialises in historical war gaming but is also a licensed Warhammer retailer.
John, who has lived in Gloucester for more than 50 years, had built and collected Airfix scale model airplanes since the age of eight.
Now, he is set to bring his years of expertise to the enthusiast community in Gloucester, and hopes that his outlet will also attract visitors from as far as Bristol and Swindon given the unique items and products that are hard to find online that he will have in store.
He also hopes to bring together the local model gaming communities and link up with local hobby groups to create a collector network in his adopted hometown of Gloucester.
John said: “I’ve worked in a number of different fields over the years, from being a travelling salesman to working in a motorbike shop.
“I’ve been a model collector for most of my life, so it’s great to be able to share my passion and expertise with the people of Gloucestershire.
“As well as having products that are hard to find or expensive to order online, we hope to establish a real presence in the region’s collector community, and Space is a great place for us to do that.”
Lucy Iles, site manager at AC Lloyd Space Business Centres in Gloucester and Cheltenham, said: “We are delighted that John chose us as the place to set up his first location.
“Gloster Models has made a fantastic addition to the community here as we expand our retail offering, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to make use of his knowledge and incredible array of items.”