New lifeline for struggling village shops

Herefordshire Council is on the hunt for village shops that want to take advantage of a grant to provide free business advice. The £15,000 award from the Herefordshire Access to Services Partnership (HASP) will provide practical support to village shops, helping them to develop their businesses for the 21st Century and improve their service to the communities that depend on them.

HASP was established through a contract between Herefordshire Council and the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands. The council is working with the Rural Shops Alliance, a national trade association representing over 7,000 independent village shops across England, to help ensure Herefordshire's village shops get access to the latest thinking on business improvement and possible funding streams for village enterprises.

The council is looking for 15 village shops within the county borders to each take advantage of in-depth business advice tailored to their individual needs.

"The village shop is often the hub of a vibrant village community", said Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council. "When they prosper they provide an excellent and valuable service, especially to members of the community who do not have transport or cannot travel easily.

"But many of these small shops face a day-to-day struggle for survival. This is why the council is working with its partners to encourage them to get together and learn from and inspire each other to make the most of every business opportunity. Thanks to a grant from HASP, and the expertise of the Rural Shops Alliance, we are in a position to offer this valuable business advice without charge to 15 village shops".

Steve Burgess of HASP added: "We are delighted to be able to offer a grant, using funds provided by Advantage West Midlands, to owners of village shops who, despite working long hours and providing a valuable service, often find themselves isolated. This money will help 15 village stores and their communities to grow the businesses and thrive".

Owners of village shops wishing to learn more about the grant are asked to contact Anthony Bush, parish and rural services officer at Herefordshire Council, on 01432 260611 (e-mail; abush@herefordshire.gov.uk), as soon as possible.