Scenic Skate Shop brings a different kind of energy to its local skate community
A year’s free electricity is helping Cambridgeshire-based Scenic Skate Shop invest in its future, grow its business and support even more people into skateboarding.
The independent, skater-owned business won our year’s free electricity competition, which celebrates small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that bring a different kind of energy to the communities around them, the kind that shows up in confidence, connection and local impact.
Based in Huntingdon, Scenic Skate Shop has been serving skaters since 2022, selling boards, clothing, protective gear and equipment from leading brands. But for owner Jason Emery and his team, the business is about much more than retail, it is a place where people can find advice, encouragement and a way into the sport.
“We’re more than just a shop. We’re building a community,” says Jason. “If someone wants to come in and buy a skateboard, we’ve got them covered. If they need lessons and they want to learn how to skate, we can sort them out with that.”
Supporting a business with big plans
Winning a year’s free electricity has come at an important point in the shop’s journey. After moving into a new unit last August, Jason faced uncertainty around energy bills and running costs. The prize has helped remove some of that pressure, giving the team more freedom to focus on customers, stock and future growth, practical support that can make everyday decisions feel a little easier.
“I didn’t know what the costs of electricity were going to be, so to win this competition and not have to worry for a while was really awesome,” says Jason.
The savings will help Scenic Skate Shop reinvest in the business, from expanding its clothing ranges and exploring new product lines to keeping popular skate brands well stocked.
Helping people connect and build confidence
Every year, the team teaches hundreds of children to skateboard, helping young people build confidence, resilience and friendships, often one first push, wobble and small win at a time.
For many customers, a visit to Scenic Skate Shop is their first step into the sport. While buying online may be convenient, Jason believes nothing replaces expert advice and hands-on support.
Customers can see the products for themselves, ask questions and get guidance from people who live and breathe skateboarding.
The shop welcomes people from all walks of life, from children trying skateboarding for the first time to adults looking for a new hobby. And later this year, Scenic Skate Shop plans to open its own indoor skate park, creating even more opportunities for people to get involved, stay active and feel part of something.
Backing SMEs in practical ways
The competition reflects our commitment to recognising the important role SMEs play in communities across the UK — not just as businesses, but as the people and places that help local areas thrive.
By taking away a practical cost for one year, the prize gives businesses more space to focus on what matters most: serving customers, creating opportunities and investing in their future.
At SSE Energy Solutions, a different kind of energy means recognising the people behind SMEs and supporting them in ways that are meaningful.
On board with a different kind of energy
From its base in East Anglia, Scenic Skate Shop continues to support skaters locally and further afield through products, lessons and a welcoming community space.
Now, as the business prepares for its next stage of growth, a year’s free electricity is helping turn cost savings into long-term momentum, backing an independent business with big ambitions, a strong community spirit and the kind of energy that keeps people moving forward.