A FORMER bank which closed its doors earlier this year has been transformed into a building bustling with businesses thanks to the hard work and dedication of two friends.

Jenny Spedding and Jo Greenfield have joined forces to manage the former Barclays bank building in Ulverston’s County Square.

The two friends, who are both self-employed, took over the building earlier this year with the aim of transforming the space into a hub shared with other independent businesses.

Known as County Square Studios, the space is made up of a number of small businesses including Jenny’s businesses: Belle Lueur Gowns, Ribbon & Thyme and Tuna & Bear and Jo Greenfield Photography & Film, jeweller Bright Star 109, The Social Hairdresser and tattoo artist Lauren Parkinson.

Jenny and Jo, who both live in Ulverston, were both looking for a space to operate their businesses from when the Barclays bank building came up for rental.

The Westmorland Gazette: Jenny and JoJenny and Jo

Jenny, who works part-time for BAE, runs the bridal studio, Belle Lueur Gowns and designs bridal gowns as well as dog harnesses for weddings.

Struggling to run her businesses from home, the 30-year-old searched for a bigger space to run appointments from and joined forces with friend, Jo Greenfield, in making this happen.

Jenny said: “It all stemmed from me looking for a bridal studio. Jo wanted some separation from her home life and a space to do her workshops and business from and I needed a bigger space so it happened naturally.

“We tried to find a property in Ulverston but it was pretty hard – they were either ridiculously priced or needed a lot of work doing.

“I ended up seeing Barclays bank was up for rental and had a look around. I chatted with Jo about it and we both fell in love with the place and its original features.

“From there, we were like this is far too big for just the both of us. We’re both very pro smaller business that add to the community and decided it would be amazing to have more independent businesses in the same building with us.”

Jo, who works as a full-time wedding photographer, plans on running education workshops and bridal photoshoots from the space.

The Westmorland Gazette: The former Barclays bank which closed its doors earlier this year has been transformed into a building bustling with businesses The former Barclays bank which closed its doors earlier this year has been transformed into a building bustling with businesses

The mum-of-one, who formerly worked as a secondary teacher when the pandemic hit, said there’s a ‘real sense of pride’ in the all-women hub.

“People have been really interested to see what’s going on when they walk past,” the 38-year-old said.

“People have said what a relief it is that businesses are moving in rather than it being turned into apartments. There’s a sense of pride that it’s all women and independent businesses as well.

“We wanted a space with other creatives – being self employed can be a lonely place so it’s really special to be able to share it with others.”

The pair is also looking to set up a gift shop at the studios in the near future. Visits to County Square Studios are by appointment-only.