New initiative launched to boost local high street

Torridge District Council has announced a new initiative, in collaboration with SaveTheHighStreet.org and Bideford Town Council, to support local entrepreneurs and revitalise the high street.

The project, named LaunchBideford, will give at least two businesses the chance to win six months of free space in Butchers Row at Bideford Pannier Market, along with expert, hands-on support to help ensure their success.

The goal of LaunchBideford is to strengthen the local economy by filling vacant shop units with promising local businesses, while encouraging others to take the leap into entrepreneurship. 

The competition opened on 28 February, with winners to be selected by the end of March 2025.

Cllr Ken James, Torridge District Council, said: “We are continuingly looking at ways to invigorate our local towns by creating new opportunities for local small businesses to help increase footfall and spending whilst providing an improved experience for residents and visitors. Torridge District Council has teamed up with SaveTheHighStreet.org and Bideford Town Council to run a competition which will provide two spaces in the town centre for start-ups to test or launch ideas for a six-month period, risk free.”

Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “It’s time to turn vacant shops into incubators that attract, launch, and sustain the most promising independent high street entrepreneurs. We’re proud to be partnering with so many amazing local businesses, community champions and others across Devon to make LaunchBideford a reality. Successful high streets benefit everyone and the more of us who join the stronger we all become.”

Kirsty Defranceski, Town Centre Project Officer at Torridge District Council, said: “LaunchBideford is an innovative initiative that rewards entrepreneurs with rent-free space and support. This project has immense potential to inject some real energy into Bideford over the Spring and Summer by breathing new life into the town centre, strengthening local businesses, and enhancing community engagement. It’s a fantastic opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact on our community.”

For more details and to apply, visit: https://savethehighstreet.org/bideford