Tenant Spotlight: Why Mags Smith Chose The Hawthorns for Her Business

Published: 28th July 2026

When Mags Smith decided to close her patchwork shop in Newent and move to a business unit, she visited every business centre in the area, looking for the ideal location with the right facilities.

She needed a central hub accessible to her client base across Newent, Ledbury and Gloucester.  Wherever she looked, she kept coming back to The Hawthorns.  Positioned just off the A417 near Tewkesbury and Malvern, The Hawthorns Business Centre offered the ideal location with free parking and flexible commercial units.

Portrait of Mags Smith, owner of The Patchwork Basket, smiling inside her commercial workspace at The Hawthorns Business Centre, with rainbow-organised fabric rolls displayed on white shelving

“It’s well established, well maintained, affordable and in a beautiful location with plenty of convenient parking for visitors.  That’s important when people on my courses have sewing machines to carry!” explains Mags.

Mags has been crafting since she was a child, and took up patchwork as a hobby 25 years ago.  Ten years ago, illness inspired a career change:

“I went to college and completed a City and Guilds Level 3 in Creative Textiles, and a qualification for teaching adults.  Around the same time, the owner of the patchwork shop in Newent was retiring.  I took over the shop, and started to run patchwork and quilting classes.

“However, in recent years there have been changes in people’s buying behaviour, and with less footfall in the shop, it was becoming increasingly difficult with rent and staff to pay.  So, I looked for an alternative.

“That’s when I discovered this lovely place.  I closed the shop in September 2025 and moved all the fittings and stock into this unit at The Hawthorns, and opened in November 2025.”

A vibrant patterned quilt draped over a chair on a cobbled courtyard outside The Hawthorns Business Centre, flanked by stone walls and pots of blooming marigolds and geraniums.

Need temporary space while relocating your business near Gloucester and Ledbury?

In addition to commercial business units, The Hawthorns offers secure, on-site self-storage facilities to help you manage excess stock, equipment, or fittings during your transition.

“I open as a shop two mornings a week – or by appointment at other times – and run classes the rest of the time.  I also visit local groups, hold mini workshops and am an active member of the Quilters’ Guild.

“A lot of my previous customers come here now and prefer it because it’s more convenient and is a very pleasant place to visit.  People love the cows!  At some point during the day, we can hear them mooing, and that adds to its rural charm.”

Three women focused on their sewing machines during a crafting workshop inside The Patchwork Basket unit at The Hawthorns Business Centre, surrounded by shelves full of colorful fabric bolts.

The Patchwork Basket is a haven for people who love sewing.  The walls are lined with a rainbow of fabrics – all 100% good quality cotton and in a myriad of patterns.  There is also a complete spectrum of matching threads, along with haberdashery and quilting accessories, suitable for every project.

The unit is spacious and well appointed, with air conditioning – a godsend for sewing during hot weather.  In the centre is a huge table, where the courses are held.  There is plenty of room for people to spread out, and it’s a sociable space to be enjoyed by those with a common interest.

“The landlord Chris was surprised to see what I’ve done here – it’s very different to when it was used as an office.  He is very flexible and accommodating and I would recommend The Hawthorns as a base for any business,” says Mags.

“It’s important when I have beginners on a course that they feel safe and comfortable to learn something new.  The Hawthorns is relaxing and tranquil.  Some people have said that coming here is their therapy and that everything else melts away while they’re here sewing.

“What a privilege to be able to give that to someone!” she concludes.

For more information on courses or to buy online, visit www.thepatchworkbasket.co.uk

Graphic on patterned fabric background detailing the opening hours for The Patchwork Basket at The Hawthorns Business Centre: Monday and Wednesday 10 am to 1 pm, or by appointment on 07745 900643.Looking for commercial units near Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Newent or Ledbury?

Whether you need a flexible workshop, office space, or secure self-storage, The Hawthorns Business Centre offers affordable, well-maintained commercial units with ample parking and a tranquil environment.

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