Business - Village Shops

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Last revised: 7 August 2008

village shop scene

FREE Help for village shops in
Wiltshire and Swindon

There's a wide range of support and help available to village shops in the local area.

How can we help?



Running a village shop has never been more difficult. Competition is fierce, security problems are mounting and regulatory and legislative requirements are growing.

This leaflet tells you about the many ways you can get help with handling some of these challenges. The organisations listed overleaf can help you, in different ways, not only to survive, but also to grow and to thrive - for your benefit, and the benefit of your local community.

  • Working out what will make your shop successful

  • Preparing a business plan

  • Making your marketing more effective

  • Finding grants and loans to allow you to develop your shop

  • Setting up and running a community-based shop

  • Choosing what to stock

  • Deciding on your shop's layout

  • Understanding rate relief

  • Using new technology

  • Getting appropriate training

  • Ideas on how to involve the local community

  • Weighing up new and future opportunities

Please use the details below to find the assistance you need. All of these organisations can provide you with up-to-date information on funding available.

Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire
Business advice for privately run shops
Christopher Pearson or Tim Evans
Tel: 0845 600 41 41
E-mail: info@blbw.co.uk
Website: www.blbw.co.uk (External link)

Community First
Help with involving the community in your shop's future
Marion Rayner
Tel: 01380 722475
E-mail: mrayner@communityfirst.org.uk

Co-operative Futures
Help with starting and growing community-owned shops
Jane Ryall Tel: 07780 680421
Julie Allen Tel: 07775 697128
E-mail: info@co-operativefutures.coop
Website: www.co-operativefutures.coop (External link)

Post Office Sign

Rural Transfer Advisors at the Post Office®
Helping to maintain rural Post Office® Services
E-mail: sheila.tilley@postoffice.co.uk (SN postcodes)
jane.eldon@postoffice.co.uk (BA postcodes)
martin.harvey@postoffice.co.uk (SP postcodes)

The Rural Regeneration Partnership
Strategic funding and policy development
Kerry Greenhalgh
Tel: 01225 712318
E-mail: kerry.greenhalgh@greatwesternenterprise.co.uk
Website: http://www.greatwesternenterprise.co.uk/rrp.htm (External link)

VIRSA (The Village Retail Services Association)
In-depth help on starting a community-owned shop
Charlotte Boxall
Tel: 01590 622708
E-mail: boxallcharlot@countryside-inter.net
Website: www.virsa.org (External link)