FOR Keeley Moore the dream of opening her own business came true when the perfect premises became available.

The mother-of-two had long harboured the ambition to start a bridal business in Penrith but was unable to find the right property until a shop became available in Devonshire Street.

Now she has taken the big step of launching the Eden Wedding Boutique which is the second new business to open in Devonshire Street. The other is a showroom and outlet for disability aids.

Both premises were let through Penrith-based chartered surveyors Mere Commercial.

Duncan Young, director of Mere, said the new lettings were a sign that Penrith was on the move.

“It is good to see an interest in shop units in the centre of town. There is also interest in a couple of other units which are on the market,” he said.

“There is no doubt the market in Penrith is picking up. It has been a bit of a struggle to let anything in the past but this shows the town is on the move.”

Keeley, 38, previously worked in the insurance industry for 15 years but always dreamed of opening her own business.

She said: “It is something I have wanted to do for years. I have talked about it for most of my adult life and decided to take the plunge after doing a lot of research into property opportunities.

“This shop in Devonshire Street came up which ticked all the boxes and we took it from there.”

Although Keeley, who lives in Shap, runs the shop on her own, she has gone into partnership in the business with her husband Kristian Moore who is assistant head teacher at Appleby Grammar School.

“My shop is all about giving the ultimate experience to the bride, her family and friends,” Keeley explained.

“When I have an appointment with a bride she gets my sole attention. She has my time exclusively with her family and friends so they can all relax with a glass of prosecco. It is a private time just for them”

Keeley offers a range of around 40 bridal gowns all made to order from the simple and modern to ball-gown styles.

According to Kevin Beaty, leader of Eden Council, the opening of the two shops is an indication that Penrith is on the up.

“There is a definite buzz around town with a lot of interest from businesses looking to base their operations here or relocate,” he said.

“We have had enquiries from manufacturing and distribution companies. Anyone who makes deliveries and needs good transport links is well-placed in Penrith because of the motorway and the proposed upgrading of the A66.”

He said the town and Eden in general were working hard to promote themselves to the wider world. Members and officers were putting out the message across the country that the area had huge opportunities for business.

“We are about to start our growth plans and we have a masterplan for Penrith for the next 30 years. Confidence in the future is high,” he said.