A Babergh pilot scheme to support small businesses in Hadleigh has been hailed a success as it reaches its six-month milestone.

Since its launch in July 2021, the Innovate Local initiative has supported small businesses by providing a free pitch at Hadleigh market for up to four weeks.

In addition to a regular spot on the market, business owners were offered support to run a safe and successful stall, mentoring, business advice and training opportunities both before and after the pilot to help them maximise the opportunity.

Feedback from the traders who have taken part in the scheme has been overwhelming positive with several investing in their own equipment to use on the market or other events. Following the initial success of the pilot, Babergh is investigating ways to expand the Innovate Local scheme during 2022.

Kelly Clark runs Apothekelly Skincare and is currently benefiting from Christmas shoppers visiting Hadleigh market.

She said: "Meeting real customers face to face has been invaluable to my business, and I am so glad I decided to go ahead with the Innovate Local scheme and really feel that I am taking my business in the right direction.

"Not only has my business got off to the best start possible, it has also given me the confidence to know how good my products are and how they have been received by the public first hand."

The Innovate Local scheme is part of a programme of activity to support high streets post Covid-19.

Cllr Michael Holt, Babergh's cabinet member for economic growth said: "It has been really rewarding to see local start-up businesses benefiting from the experience of being on a busy market and engaging with customers.

"It can be daunting to try and launch a new business, even before the impact of a pandemic, so I am delighted that the feedback from traders involved in the Innovate Local scheme has been so positive with many feeling more confident to take their business to the next stage."

The Innovate Local scheme is open to businesses that have been operating for less than a year and do not currently have a place on a market.

The Innovate Local initiative at Hadleigh has been run by Suffolk Market Events who currently manage Hadleigh market on behalf of Babergh.

As part of the Innovate Local Initiative, Babergh will also be opening a pop-up hub in Sudbury later this year.

The Innovate Local hubs will offer small business owners and entrepreneurs access to a working space, mentoring programme as well as targeted business advice and training opportunities.

The Innovate Local scheme is being funded from the Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund (SIGIF) and is part of a wider initiative to support businesses in Babergh. Other activities include the development of the successful Virtual High Street and the roll out a digital skills programme.

Businesses interested in being part of Babergh's Innovate Local scheme should visit www.babergh.gov.uk