A HOMEWARE store that won three months free rent at a unit in Friars Walk has found a new home following its success.

‘New Pastures Home’ was crowned winners of the ‘Time to Grow’ competition which hopes to encourage new, independent businesses to set up shop in Friars Walk.

South Wales Argus: The store has moved to a larger unit following its success. The store has moved to a larger unit following its success.

The store was given a two-week trial back in September and proved an instant hit with shoppers. Shortly after, it was awarded three months free rent in one of the shopping centre’s units, but booming business means it’s now expanding.

Inside you’ll find a range of candles, diffusers and wax melts – all completely home-made.

South Wales Argus: The shop stocks a range of homemade candles. The shop stocks a range of homemade candles.

Co-owner Dean Carbin said: “Things have gone from zero to one-hundred in such a short space of time – it’s crazy.

“We were one of three businesses shortlisted for a two-week trial as part of Friars Walk’s ‘Time to Grow’ competition and after the two weeks we found out pretty quickly that we’d won.

“The prize was three months free rent on a unit which was great but after about two weeks we realised we needed more space because we were doing so well.”

Mr Carbin and Mr Jones have only been back in the UK since June after spending time as teachers in Kuwait, but they say the idea has been two years in the making.

Mr Jones, from Newport, also has a range of original paintings up for sale in the shop.

South Wales Argus: Mr Jones, an artist, showcases his work in the shop.Mr Jones, an artist, showcases his work in the shop.

He said: “I was teaching art in a secondary school out in Kuwait.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase and sell my work through the business.”

Their move comes at a positive time for independent businesses in the city following several new openings in the last few months.