THIS week we highlight a start-up business as our firm favourite in the hope of giving it a headstart in these uncertain trading times.

Baby and children’s goods shop Feral & Funky Kids in Accrington is planning to bring vibrant new styles to the town.

Owner of the outlet Hollie Barnes hopes to open in a fortnight and said: “We started because I’m mad on kids’ fashion and my kids have been reps for a number of brands.

“But I didn’t have any plans for opening. It just came completely out of the blue when my partner Clive announced it but I work very much on impulse.”

She added: “My children are known for standing out and are always dressed funky so we hope we can bring some of that to the town.”

The décor of the Warner Street shop and the stylish clothing on sale reflects Mrs Barnes’ unique sense of style and offers a much more individual take on babies’ and children’s products than larger chain stores.

The shop is supplied by Cub Life Clothing, a chic range of baby clothes for fashion-minded kids and parents created by County Durham-based designer Emily Southern, who Mrs Barnes has long admired.

The range eschews traditional children’s clothing in favour of monochrome tones that do not discriminate between genders.

Ms Barnes said: “I didn’t want to stock recognised brands, I wanted to stand out and do something new.

"I like that I can still support small businesses like Emily’s by having them in the shop.”

The shop also boasts a range of products for parents, including innovatively designed mugs, pins and tote bags.

Mrs Barnes hopes that the shop will evoke memories of Jumping Jack’s, a much-loved Accrington children’s clothes retailer where she worked before the store closed 16 years ago.

She said: “I’m hoping that people who went there over the years can now bring their own children and grandchildren to Feral and Funky Kids.”

The shop is planning its grand opening in the coming weeks.

To find out more about the shop and opening, visit facebook.com/Feral-Funky-Kids-Co.