A family-run business has graduated from Shepton Mallet's retail incubator scheme and moved into a newly leased shop in the town's Market Place.

The Little Farm Shed, originally part of the incubator programme run by local charity Interim Spaces, has relocated from its rent-free unit at 10 Market Place to a permanent shop at 9 Market Place. The business is set to begin trading from its new premises on 28th September 2024.

The Little Farm Shed started as a small venture by two schoolgirls from Shepton Mallet, Laurel and Rosie, who wanted to earn spending money for the Glastonbury Festival. They began by selling eggs and produce from their grandfather's farm to family and friends, but the business quickly grew to serve the wider community. With Laurel spearheading new business ideas and Rosie crafting fruit and veg boxes for delivery, the sisters have expanded their offerings by partnering with local suppliers. The family business is now a full operation, supported by their parents and younger brother Leonard.

This move marks the first success story of the retail incubator project, which was launched to breathe new life into Shepton Mallet's high street. The programme offers new businesses the chance to trial their ideas rent-free for nine months, alongside mentorship and a £1,500 capital grant. It is designed to help entrepreneurs transition into fully leased shops, and The Little Farm Shed is the first to complete this journey.

Jordan Barnes, Director of The Little Farm Shed, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the retail incubator opportunity, which has allowed us to transform our family business from humble beginnings into a thriving high street presence. Without the support from Interim Spaces, we wouldn't have been able to make the leap from our original farm shop to this exciting new chapter."

The Little Farm Shed was chosen from 27 applicants to launch the incubator project at 10 Market Place, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 16th century. Interim Spaces raised £264,000 to purchase and renovate the historic site, which is now being transformed into a retail lab and a space for music and arts classes.

Lime Repair Ltd, a local specialist in listed buildings, has been working on the restoration, which includes repairs to the roof and the restoration of original features, such as a stone wall with a shuttered window that was uncovered during the strip-out.

Dan Simon, Director of Interim Spaces, praised The Little Farm Shed's achievement: "Their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit have made a real impact on the town, meeting a demand for locally sourced produce and bespoke product packages. This is exactly what the incubator project is about – helping businesses grow and revitalising the high street."

The project at 10 Market Place is expected to be fully operational by April 2024, with applications for the next round of the retail incubator programme opening in January 2025.

For more information about the incubator programme and hire space, visit www.10marketplace.uk.