Rent free 'incubator' is success for farm food shop

Jordan is often helped in the shop by daughters Rosie and Laurel

A rent-free shop space has helped a family launch their own business after supporting them through a trial scheme.

The charity Interim Spaces, allows businesses to use 10 Market Place, in Shepton Mallet, rent and bill free, to encourage more shops to open in the town.

The Little Farm Shop, which sells fresh produce such as vegetables and meat, has now moved its premises next door after a successful stint.

Laurel who runs the shop with her sister and mother said she is "proud" of how they have grown from a small shop into a "big shop in the market".

The majority of stock comes from the local area

The Little Farm Shop had small beginnings, initially run as an egg delivery service by sisters Laurel and Rosie who sold their grandfather's eggs.

Mother Jordan said the success of their shop could not have happened without the help of the 'incubator' store.

"It wasn't anything that we ever planned to do before, but we were given such a lovely opportunity, we thought we'd take it with both hands and see where we ended up," she said.

Jordan said the free rent and and guidance they recieved "has been invaluable".

Laurel said: "[I] feel really proud how we just went from a little egg delivery to a big shop in the market."

Mr Simon wants local people to bid to be the new hosts of '10 Market Place' next year

Dan Simon, director at Interim Spaces, moved to Shepton Mallet several years ago.

He said the town has many opportunities and explained that he wanted to be part of them.

"We believe that there are enough ideas in our communities to fill every empty shop," he said.

The charity said businesses that take part in the scheme are also supported with grants and mentorship.

Locals have been encouraged to bid to become the new hosts of the empty store next year.