Sacha Bearden, owner of Baptiste building supply in Warwick, was facing some tough decisions just two years ago, with the reality of one of the worst recessions to hit Bermuda and subsequent declining sales.

She sadly recounts that home renovations and construction were down. Consequently, the renovation and building supplier had to place a freeze on hiring and the staff were working on reduced hours. Then in 2015, after the announcement of Bermuda as host to the America’s Cup, things started to turn around for Baptiste.

Ms Bearden tells how people in the community started to renovate their properties in preparation for the America’s Cup and the anticipated increased demand for rental properties.