When Jordan Barnes and her family applied for a place in Shepton Mallet's retail incubator programme, they were in a tough spot. Ill health had forced her husband, Bob, out of his job as a lorry driver, and the family was struggling to get by on one income.

To make some extra money, their children, Laurel and Rosie, began selling eggs and produce from their grandfather's farm to family and friends. The aim was simple—raise some pocket money for the Glastonbury Festival—but it soon blossomed into something much bigger.

Encouraged by the potential of the incubator programme run by Interim Spaces, which offered rent-free retail space at 10 Market Place, Jordan saw an opportunity for the family to grow their venture. They applied for the programme, not expecting to be chosen, but hoping for a fresh start.

The Barnes Family will be moving from 10 Market Place to a larger premises next door (Photo: Interim Places)

To their surprise and delight, the Barnes family was accepted, marking the start of their journey at 10 Market Place. The Interim Spaces incubator programme gave them not only a physical space to trade but also mentorship and much-needed support. The programme provided a lifeline to turn their small project into a fully functioning business.

Supported by parents Jordan and Bob, as well as younger brother Leonard, The Little Farm Shed quickly became a hit in the town, offering fresh fruit and veg at a price for every pocket.

"We've built up a really good rapport with the people of Shepton Mallet," Jordan explains. "We listen to what people want and try to provide it, while also being careful not to tread on the toes of other shops in town."

The Little Farm Shed at 10 Market Place (Photo: The Little Farm Shed)

The Barnes family's hard work paid off. Their success in the incubator programme led them to the next step—moving into larger premises next door at 9 Market Place. Once home to Notice Me Logos and before that, London House, the new shop will open its doors on 28th September 2024. This move signifies a major milestone for the family business. With more space, The Little Farm Shed will expand its offerings to include gifts, cards, eco-friendly refillables and even more of the products that have made them a local favourite.

But the expansion isn't just about offering new products. The larger premises will also provide space for an office and a dedicated area for preparing their growing vegetable box delivery service.

Work gets underway at the new premises (LL)

Jordan, Bob, and their children all pitch in to get the new shop ready for opening day, and the family remains optimistic about the future. The girls still help with the vegetable boxes that got the family started in the new venture and have been herding a steady stream of teachers, classmates, and school-run parents through the shop doors.

"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," she says. "We were in a really difficult place before this opportunity, and we never thought that we'd be in this position. Getting the new shop ready has been a lot of hard work – I'm waking up in the middle of the night thinking about broccoli and carrots, but it's going to be worth it."

The family will be expanding the lines already offered (LL)

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

The Little Farm Shed will be moving next door, into bigger premises (LL)

With the next round of the incubator programme set to begin in 2025, The Little Farm Shed stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with the right support, dedication, and the backing of a community that believes in local businesses. As the Barnes family prepares to open their new shop, they are ready to give Shepton Mallet's high street a fresh burst of energy.

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