Celebrating Derby businesses: Watch as we look around sweet shop selling something for everyone

Here at DerbyWorld we are keen to shine a regular spotlight on local businesses - to celebrate them and give them a bit of boost in these difficult economic times. 

We recently visited Candy Craft in the Derbion shopping centre to produce the above video - and Tom Duffy, owner of the store, has answered the below questions for us.

Are you a Derby business owner who would like to be featured on DerbyWorld? If so, get in touch with our senior digital journalist Michael Broomhead via [email protected]

Q&A with Tom Duffy, Candy Craft owner

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into business 

I'm Tom, 30, from Littleover. I opened Candy Craft almost 10 years ago after leaving university. Doing this is something that I kind of fell into, but it is something that I really enjoy. It is great to meet new people and see the joy our products can bring to people. It is especially a great feeling knowing the impact our gifts make to someone's Christmas or birthday.

How do you feel about the future of Derby and its small businesses?

It's not an easy journey, and cannot be done without the support of the public.

What advice would you give to local people who are thinking about setting up a business here? 

Know your niche. We are fortunate that a lot of our products sell themselves. TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and word of mouth helps us tremendously. That's without doing much social media advertising ourselves.

Which local firms would you recommend and why?

The Pet Superstore and Eagle Books Derby. They are both small, family-run businesses we know very well which have left the Eagle Market. They are lovely people there and once again could always use the support of the public.

If you had a magic wand, how would you improve Derby?

Reduce parking costs and bring back the Assembly Rooms, along with all the amazing bands, comedians and so on who used to play there.

What are your favourite ways to spend your spare time in the area?

I love to climb at Alter Rock Indoor Climbing Centre. The staff are friendly and helpful, and it's a great way to meet new people.

Best place to eat and drink in Derby? 

Dolce-Salato is a great independent Italian restaurant. Reno, the owner and chef, is incredibly welcoming and will do whatever he can to make your visit as good as it can be.