VILLAGE shops across Wiltshire are being offered the chance of receiving free support from business advisors.

Community First, based in Devizes, is running Store is the Core across the South West. The Rural Development Fund for England is providing funding of £375,000 for the 18-month project, which aims to support 150 village shops.

Support will include a combination of expert retail/business advice and training plus a mentor to help shops engage better with their community and support in accessing any potential grant opportunities.

Tim Coomer, rural enterprise advisor at Community First, said: “Often people who go into village retail don’t have a retail background. Some people go in thinking it’s a nice idea and get stuck.

“A fresh pair of eyes making suggestions and looking at their pricing policy or promotions and store layout can help.”

The criteria is that shops must be independently owned, be the remaining shop in the village and sell groceries and be in a population less than 3,000.

  • For more information contact Tim Coomer on 01380 732812 or email tcoomer@communityfirst.org.uk.