Small Business Saturday: We're friends who run an independent bookshop in trendy Birmingham suburb

Founded by friends and residents Catherine Gale and Claire Dawes, the bookshop embodies the essence of independent businesses.

Today, Saturday, December 7, is Small Business Saturday, a non-commercial campaign that highlights small businesses and encourages people to shop locally. It's a way to support local economies, which can create jobs and support schools.

In the vibrant suburb of Kings Heath, where independent businesses line the streets and community spirit thrives, The Heath Bookshop has become a beacon of connection and creativity.

But behind the inviting shelves of books and aroma of freshly brewed coffee lies a story of serendipity, shared dreams, and two determined women who brought it all to life.

Catherine Gale and Claire Dawes didn’t always envision themselves as booksellers. Catherine, with a doctorate in behaviour analysis, spent over 20 years running a successful community interest company supporting children with autism. Claire, a professional French horn player and teacher, also worked in fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

In 2021, their paths crossed in the most modern of ways: an online course run by the Booksellers' Association, How to Start and Run a Bookshop. A WhatsApp group for attendees revealed that Catherine and Claire lived close to each other and shared the same dream - opening an independent bookshop.

What started with a tentative coffee meeting turned into a solid partnership. They spent months visiting bookshops, brainstorming ideas, and attending The London Book Fair.

By September 2022, their vision became reality as The Heath Bookshop opened its doors, its launch weekend packed with events that reflected their community-first ethos.

Kings Heath provided the perfect backdrop for Catherine and Claire’s venture. Known for its eclectic mix of independent businesses, cafes, and cultural hotspots, the area offered a ready-made community that values local enterprise.

It is also home to the brilliant music venue the Hare and Hounds pub and the beautiful children's bookshop, How Brave is the Wren.

"It was only ever going to be a bookshop for us," says Catherine. "We wanted a space where people could not only browse books but also feel safe, included, and part of something bigger."

The Heath Bookshop quickly became just that. Beyond its shelves, it hosts an array of activities: book clubs, writing workshops, fashion talks, and even death cafes, where people gather to discuss life’s big questions in a supportive environment.

Since its opening, The Heath Bookshop has hosted over 130 events, ranging from intimate in-store gatherings to large-scale occasions like An Evening with Rick Astley, which drew over 900 attendees to The Alexandra Theatre. The shop’s monthly book club meetings bring together 20 people per session, fostering friendships and thoughtful discussions.

The shop also gives back, actively participating in community events and selling books at external venues. A crowning achievement was receiving Arts Council funding to host The Heath Bookshop Literature & Music Festival, an event that Catherine and Claire hope to make a biennial tradition.

Claire reflects on the impact of their venture: "Independent bookshops like ours aren’t just retail spaces. They’re places where people come together, share stories, and build community. Kings Heath is full of wonderful independents, and there’s such a strong culture of supporting local businesses here. It’s inspiring to be part of it."

With shelves carefully curated to cater to a diverse audience, cosy corners perfect for coffee and conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Heath Bookshop is more than a store—it’s a reflection of the neighbourhood it calls home.

Catherine and Claire’s shared vision continues to evolve. From their book subscription service, which delivers handpicked titles to readers’ doorsteps, to dreams of repeating their successful literature and music festival, the duo remains committed to enriching the lives of those around them.

"We’ve achieved more than we ever imagined," says Claire. "The friendships and connections that have come out of this space are incredible. It’s a joy to watch people come in, find a book they love, and leave feeling part of something special."

As The Heath Bookshop celebrates its growing success, it stands as a testament to the power of dreams, community, and the magic that happens when two people decide to take a leap of faith together.

Address: Kings Court, 94 High St, King's Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ

Opening hours: 10-4 Wednesday to Sunday