Video: Shropshire welcomes water sports business to Ellesmere

Shropshire Council, Visit Shropshire and Ellesmere Town Council have welcomed The Paddle Bros to Mere Cottage, Ellesmere, marking an exciting addition to the town’s growing visitor offer as this new video shows.

The Paddle Bros opened their new centre at Mere Cottage on the shore of the Mere over the Easter weekend, underscoring the continued importance of tourism to Shropshire’s economy.

Each year, more than 10 million people visit the county, with tourism contributing roughly £910 million annually. The sector creates jobs for over 9000 individuals both directly and indirectly, making it one of the area’s largest employers. Tourism also fuels local economic growth, benefiting town centres, rural areas, and supply chains in food, retail, transport, accommodation, along with support services and trades.

Having the Paddle Bros on the Mereside will help to strengthen Ellesmere’s position as a destination for active and nature‑based tourism.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth and transport, said:

“The visitor economy is vital to Shropshire, supporting jobs, businesses, and communities. Improvements for visitors also benefit residents by creating jobs and enhancing local life.”