Jahnavi and Karthik, pictured with their daughter Bahudha says the southern end of Stratford is a great place to live and work.
"Stratford isn't just about what's between the two roundabouts on Broadway."
Business owner Gavin Cox says if people venture south of the roundabouts, they are likely to be surprised by just how much is on offer in the area.
Gavin owns six businesses, and the fact five of them are located in the southern end of town is no coincidence.
"It's a good area, there's plenty of space for workshops and larger businesses, lots of parking."
Gavin says the wide range of businesses in the area is great, for staff and shoppers alike.
"It means people can get everything done in one area, no driving around needed."
One of Gavin's newer businesses, Stratford Auto Parts, was set up because he saw a gap in the local market.
"People couldn't get the parts they needed locally, meaning their cars would be off the road while they waited for something to be delivered. We supply individuals as well as the garages in town so there is less waiting time, whether you are fixing your own car or have a mechanic doing it for you. We are open on Saturdays as well so people can get on with the job on the weekend, not wait around."
Since he opened his first business in the location, he has seen plenty of growth in the area Gavin says.
Lynette Barron, who works at Guthrie Bowron Stratford, agrees.
"I've been working here for just under six years and have seen the changes. It's great as there's a lot more here now, our customers are often surprised by what else they can buy and get done at this end of Stratford."
The businesses also support each other, she says.
"We all try and support each other, we all shop locally with each other. The New Commercial used our store for their recent redecorating, for example."
With the Baking Company having opened in the area, that means fresh coffee and baked goods are now just a short walk away, rather than having to head further into town for a lunch break, Lynette's colleague Jane Hickmott says.
The area has changed a lot Since Chris and Maria Merson first opened Central Tyre and Automotive in the area back in 1999. Back then, the area didn't have half the range of businesses it does now, says Chris.
"It's got a lot busier over the years, we have grown a lot, but so has the area itself businesswise."
Since they first opened, the number of employees has more than doubled, and the business has grown substantially.
"We have four fleet service trucks now and do a lot of work on trucks of course, but we also still do the small jobs too, replacing wheelbarrow wheels and fixing scooter tyres."
Another business enjoying plenty of success in the south end of town is Stratford ITM.
Seven years ago, Kym and Mike Henry moved their successful family business to new, purpose built premises south of the roundabouts, and Since then the store has gone from strength to strength.
"We had the space here to build exactly what we wanted, with a drive-through area, covered parking, rather than being crammed into a smaller building somewhere else."
She and Mike did wonder if they would lose any customers when they moved away from the main stretch of shops in Stratford.
"But actually we haven't, and in fact now we also get customers coming up from further south who see us on their way to New Plymouth, and realise they don't need to head north, as we have it all here."
Having more businesses open up at the south end of town is great for the area says Kym.
"The more we have here, the more reasons people have to shop locally and that's important for everyone around."
Kym has just put in an order for 20 pizzas from the new chef, Happy, at the New Commercial as a shout for the team of over 20 employees at Stratford ITM after they won the supreme award at this year's Romeos.
"As a business, we always try to shop locally ourselves."
That supportive local business community, combined with the large open spaces and parks was a factor in Karthik Chitneni and Jahnavi Arnipalli's decision to move to the area.
Karthik and Jahnavi, known to their customers as Kris and Jenny, have taken over the New Commercial, moving from Kaponga to do so. Their daughter, Bahudha, also loves the area says Karthik.
"There is a lot for her to do here, the swimming pool, the parks, she is really enjoying it."
Since taking over, they have been investing in new television screens, sound systems and a pool table for the sports bar part of the business, says Karthik.
"We also offer a courtesy van for people so they can get home safely. It picks people up before 6pm and then drops them back after 9pm, giving people time for a meal, to enjoy watching some sports, listening to the live music we have, all the ingredients of a good night out."
From boxing matches to rugby, cricket to basketball, the range of sports playing on the large screens means it appeals to lots of people, he says.
"And with our new sound system, customers can also cast their own music choice to play, so it really is like home."
Cameron Thompson has just opened up his second Baking Company store in town, and says it was a logical choice to set up shop in the southern end of town.
"We knew a lot of our customers came from this part of town, so now we have brought the goods to them."
Opening early in the morning to give commuters and truck drivers their early morning coffee fix, as well as offering a range of freshly baked "grab and go" items, Cameron says the second store has been well received Since opening last week.
"People also like the fact we do the baking here now, and the kitchen is visible to the public, it's an extra element, letting people see the work being done in the kitchen."
Even before opening the doors, Cameron says the surrounding businesses were offering support. Guthrie Bowron were the suppliers of choice for both Baking Company premises in Stratford, says Cameron, while Gavin helped with the scaffolding and getting the outside ready.
"They've all been great."
Gavin says he hopes more businesses will invest in the area.
"There's plenty of opportunity here, with space for businesses to grow."
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