A new dual business has recently opened in the space formerly occupied by Boots & Awl, Symons Lane in Taradale. Malcolm and Bev Bradley have relocated their home-based businesses to this location after noticing many of their customers were from the area.

Bev established her sewing business while raising her children as a stay-at-home mother. Over the years, she has provided a wide range of services including safety garment alterations, sports team uniforms, school uniforms, and general sewing repairs to meet community needs.

Malcolm owns Jim's Test & Tag New Zealand, a division of the well-known Jim's franchise group. He oversees 43 Test & Tag franchisees while personally serving as the working franchisee for the Taradale region. Malcolm also operates Jim's Fire Safety, an area he is particularly passionate about.

"Many businesses proudly display fire extinguishers without realising they may not be the appropriate type for their specific environment," Malcolm explains. He specialises in advising small businesses about the differences between various fire safety equipment including CO2, dry powder, wet chemicals, fire blankets, and fire suppressant sachets, with particular attention to managing fat fires. Malcolm offers comprehensive fire safety training and fire extinguisher sales.

The new location features a convenient loading zone, making it easy for customers to drop off items requiring testing and tagging or garments needing repairs.

Malcolm previously served on the Taradale High School board and remains actively involved in supporting schools with fundraising initiatives. He also sponsors the SPCA. Their commitment to the Taradale community led the couple to sign a five-year lease for the premises.

Outside of work, Bev enjoys patchwork and embroidery and is a member of the Hawkes Bay Patchworkers Quilters and the Hawkes Bay Embroiderers Guild. Malcolm's interests include camping, fishing, drone fishing, rugby, and watersports. They also cherish spending time with their two adult children and two grandchildren.

Malcolm and Bev invite community members to visit their new shop and say hello.