New owner takes over Southwater shop

Businessman Geoff Sarbutts has taken the helm at the gift shop Bearing Gifts in Lintot Square. He takes over the business from Carole Lawrence who first established Bearing Gifts in 1999 in premises on the village’s industrial estate.

The shop - which specialises in selling greetings cards, gifts, Belgian chocolates, partyware and gift wrappings - moved to its current premises in Lintot Square in 2006.

Now Carole and husband Dave say they plan to move out of the area ‘to pursue new dreams’, but, says Carole, she ‘takes great pleasure in knowing that the business will continue.’

She said: “I haven’t done this alone. I have had a fantastic team of part time staff, who will remain employed by Geoff, and obviously great loyalty from customers.

“I wish that I could thank each one personally for their support and friendship spanning the last 20 years.”

New owner Geoff says there are no plans to change anything. He said: “Why change something that works? I hope that existing customers continue to support the shop, and new customers find us.”

He says he will continue to stock a wide range of cards, gifts for all occasions, chocolates, helium balloons - and more.