October is Small Business Month! And to celebrate, we’re highlighting some of the great small businesses we have throughout the region.
Today we have locally grown and made berry goodness, a unique store that perfectly blends fashion, homewares and coffee, and a proper chimneysweep to keep the home fires burning.
Freshly Berried
Naturally in Balance.
819 Sandon Road, Armidale, NSW 2350
Tucked away in the New England high country, Freshly Berried is a true local gem created from a love of berries, baking, and sustainable farming. For more than 25 years, Shane and Cheryl have poured their energy into turning a once cattle-focused property into a thriving small business that celebrates flavour, creativity, and care for the environment.
What began as a simple idea to diversify the farm has grown into a unique “Patch to Plate” experience. Freshly Berried produces handcrafted, small-batch jams, sauces, ice creams, and desserts made with berries grown right on their property or sourced from local farms. The couple’s commitment to pesticide-free cultivation and natural growing practices means every product is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Behind every jar is a story of dedication and community. Shane and Cheryl have spent years refining their craft, learning every aspect of production, processing, and marketing by hand. Their persistence has paid off, earning them loyal customers who appreciate the authenticity, freshness, and heart behind each creation.
Melrose Uralla
Timeless style, close to home
82 Bridge St, Uralla NSW 2358
Melrose Uralla is a small-town, family owned boutique that blends timeless fashion, homewares, and coffee into one beautiful space. Founded in 2019 by Sonia, the boutique quickly became a favourite in the New England region for its relaxed style and welcoming atmosphere.
In 2023, Mackenzie took over the business while four months pregnant, continuing its legacy with heart and determination. During her maternity leave, her mother Jenny stepped in to keep things running, and today the two work side by side, often joined by Mackenzie’s little boy Charlie, who has already become a familiar face to regulars.
Together, they curate a collection of clothing and home pieces that feel both elegant and effortless. Their focus is on affordable, timeless designs that customers can love and wear for years to come. More than a boutique, Melrose Uralla is a reflection of family, resilience, and the charm of small-town life.
Keystone Chimney Sweep
Warm homes, clean chimneys, peace of mind
Armidale, NSW
Keystone Chimney Sweep is a local, family run business dedicated to keeping homes across the New England region safe, warm, and efficient. Based in Armidale, owner Preston Zambo brings years of hands-on trade experience and a genuine passion for fireplace maintenance to every job.
After running a successful handyman business since 2017, Preston saw the growing need for reliable chimney and fireplace care and founded Keystone Chimney Sweep in early 2024. He now specialises in the cleaning, inspection, and repair of all types of fireplaces, including open hearths, slow combustion stoves, and traditional wood heaters, servicing clients within an hour of Armidale.
Each service includes a detailed system inspection covering fireboxes, baffles, bricks, flues, glass, and seals, along with repairs where needed. Preston also offers bird mesh installation, brick chimney capping, and expert advice on timber types, seasoning, and storage to ensure fires burn safely and efficiently.
Growing up with wood heating has given Preston a lifelong respect for fire as one of humanity’s oldest and most essential tools. Through Keystone Chimney Sweep, he combines that respect with modern knowledge to help his clients enjoy the warmth, comfort, and peace of mind that comes from a well-cared-for fireplace.
Throughout October, we’ll run stories highlighting the great local businesses we have right here in our communities. This is a free service – the businesses highlighted have not paid for this story.
Want to highlight your business? Just fill in this form – places are limited.
Please share this story to help support New England businesses! See all our Small Business Month profiles here.