A BUDDING entrepreneur is honing his business skills as he launches his new leather craft shop.

Darren Hughes has moved his saddlery and leather goods business into the Enterprise Arcade in Stockton town centre.

The former construction worker turned his attention to leather work after suffering an injury work which forced him to change his career path.

He has had an interest in saddlery and leather craft for many years, making items for friends and family who have encouraged him to develop his talent into a business venture.

He said: “The Enterprise Arcade is a striking building which will naturally attract shoppers so it is an excellent way for me to build up a by customer base by taking advantage of the passing trade at the heart of Stockton Town Centre.”

The businessman will be carrying out saddlery repairs as well as selling saddles and other items including belts, dog collars and walking sticks throughout this week and next.

Another pop-up trader is already getting ready to follow in his footsteps when Derek Slark Fine Arts Gallery will set up shop in the Arcade in a few weeks offering shoppers original oil, water colour and acrylic paintings.

The arcade, at 35-37 High Street, has been renovated and refurbished using funding from Stockton Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund through Stockton’s ‘Grants for Heritage Buildings’ scheme.

The Enterprise Arcade opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5pm.

Visit www.rediscoverstockton.co.uk email info@bsupplied.co.uk or call 07808-141931 to find out more about opportunities at the Enterprise Arcade.