Businesses win rent-free space in Bideford’s Butchers Row

Two independent local businesses have won bids for six months of rent-free space in Butchers Row at Bideford Panier Market.

Mrs Animation and Devonshire Cork and Vine were selected as winners of LaunchBideford, a new initiative led by Torridge District Council, in partnership with Bideford Town Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and a network of local supporters.

Mrs Animation owner Sarah Pettifer and Devonshire Cork and Vine founder Christopher Sheppard will also receive free access to HelloThriver.com and hands-on support to help them grow.

LaunchBideford was designed not only to help businesses grow, but to reimagine how empty shops can be transformed into thriving hubs for local enterprise and community life. The competition attracted over 40 applications from across the district. 

Every application was carefully reviewed and a shortlist of businesses were invited to interview before the final winners were selected.

At Mrs Animation, Sarah will create a destination for art lovers, creatives, and the curious. Her space will feature live events and interactive exhibitions, turning the market into a hub for creativity, performance and community engagement.

She said: “Winning a shop through LaunchBideford is genuinely a dream come true. I’m so excited to bring the Mrs Animation Gallery & Studio to life in the heart of Butchers Row.

“This opportunity is not only helping me grow my business, but also allowing me to create a vibrant, creative, and inclusive space for the community. I’m incredibly grateful and can’t wait to get started! Follow me on socials @mrsanimation to keep up with my art campaigns, exhibitions, and everything exciting I’ve got coming up.”

Devonshire Cork and Vine is an independent wine and spirits business focused on curated, high-quality selections with a strong emphasis on regional producers. The new shop will offer tastings, specialist advice, and products not typically found on the high street.

Owner Christopher said: “I’d like to thank Torridge District Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and everyone involved in making this scheme possible. It’s an amazing opportunity for the local community and a huge boost for my business.

“I’m looking forward to working with the teams and introducing the people of Bideford and the surrounding areas to some fantastic wines and beers – both from around the world and right here at home. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.”

Kirsty Defranceski, town centre project officer at the district council, said they had been excited to receive such wide range of interesting entries.

She added: “We very impressed and inspired by the amount of entrepreneurial talent on our doorsteps - selecting the winners was a difficult decision! 

“We wish Sarah and Christopher the very best of luck, and hope that the local community checks them out in their new home.”

Alex Schlagman, founding partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “This is what LaunchBideford is all about – backing local talent with the space and support to succeed. With free access to Thriver, both winners will have the tools they need to grow, stay focused and make a real impact on the high street.”