It is known that people have been living in Clophill for at least 2500 years, and where there are people and dwellings there are businesses and employment – businesses to make and supply the things people need and want, and employment for those who make goods and materials and supply services to meet those needs and desires. Examples of such businesses and employment that existed in Clophill down the ages are: - farming – agricultural, arable and small livestock
- gritstone and other quarries
- brick and tile making
- Fullers Earth clay pits
- establishments catering for the needs of travellers;
- industries such as blacksmithing, thatching, building, reed-plaiting, market gardening;
- shops and other community services.
Some of these types of businesses and employments are still being carried on today, providing a continuity to village life and living through time. The following examples demonstrate this (though sometimes they have developed into somewhat different forms): - small-holding, egg seller;
- accommodation (b & b’s, hotel), pubs/restaurants (Stone Jug, Flying Horse, Green Man, Beadlow Manor)
- house and garden care and improvement (soft furnishings, gardeners, heatingcontractor, builder), pet care (catteries, kennels, farrier, etc.), haulage contractor;
- post office and shop.
These are supplemented by businesses and employment catering for the different needs and wants associated with modern living, such as: - health and beauty services (hair dresser, make-up, health club);personal development services (driving tuition, complementary therapist, music tuition)
- other community services (flowers, accountancy, vehicle care and repair, computer and office machine services).
These too can be seen, in a broader sense, as simply developments of more traditional styles of businesses, so maintaining that continuity into today. In addition, there are a number of parish residents who are employed in the category of home-working, akin to the old tradition of cottage industries!
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