A BUSINESS set up by two Somerset schoolgirls to raise Glastonbury Festival spending money has moved into its first shop premises.

The Little Farm Shed was founded by Shepton Mallet youngsters Laurel and Rosie, using produce from their grandfather’s farm.

As well as selling produce, the pair crafted veg boxes for delivery in the community.

Now, it has now grown into a fully-fledged business with the support of family members and, with an extra boost from the Interim Spaces charity, is set to open a new, leased shop in Shepton’s Market Place on September 29.

The move is part of the charity’s ‘retail incubator’ scheme, which supports up-and-coming companies establish themselves on the high street.

The Little Farm Shed is graduating from a premises at 10 Market Place to the formerly-vacant 9 Market Place, becoming the first successful participant in the organisation’s incubator programme to complete the journey from rent-free incubation to a full commercial lease.

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.

“We are thrilled to continue serving our wonderful customers from our new location, and we hope our journey encourages others to apply for the incubator programme, as it has truly been life-changing.”

Laurel and Rosie’s business was selected from 27 contenders to kickstart the retail incubator project – a cornerstone of the charity’s strategy in Shepton Mallet to help revitalise the town centre.

Dan Simon, director of Interim Spaces, said: “The Little Farm Shed’s remarkable achievement is a testament to the months of hard work the family invested in turning this unique retail opportunity into a thriving success.

“Their focus, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication have met an unexpected demand in the town – a local, family-run business offering a diverse range of locally sourced produce, along with bespoke product packages and delivery services.

“We are immensely proud to have played a role in their journey and to demonstrate the viability of the retail incubator model.”

The programme offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to trial their high street ideas rent-free for nine months, including a £1,500 capital grant and mentorship, culminating in the potential transition to a permanent commercial space, which the pair have now done.

The Little Farm Shed began their retail incubator placement in April, and will begin trading from their new premises at 9 Market Place on September 29.

Applications for the next retail incubator placement open January 2025, with placement in March, for which the charity aims to attract sponsorship from a county business.