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help and advice straplineRural Retail Services

 

Rural Services - The Community Council for Somerset is committed to supporting access to rural shops and post offices and other rural retail services, in Somerset.


Retail Services - On behalf of the rural retailers within the county, we joined the Rural Shops Alliance (RSA), launched by the Village Retail Services Association (ViRSA) in November 2000. This means that all the village retailers in Somerset, as listed on our database, are now members of the RSA. Through us, they receive a complimentary copy of the Rural Retailer newsletter.

 

Rural Shops Alliance


picture showing a rural shopWhat is the Rural Shops Alliance?

 

  •  An alliance of key organisations, authorities and other interested groups
  •  A national voice for rural shopkeepers
  •  An organisation exclusively concerned with the interests of those shopkeepers


What does it do?

  • Lobbies Government and other organisations on behalf of the sector
  • Rural Shops Alliance logoWorks to deliver advantages and benefits for rural retailers
  • Works to enhance the value and significance of the village shop as a community asset
  • Works to develop links with suppliers, trade and shop associations and national organisations
  • Works to secure the future of the sector, encouraging and developing such initiatives, e.g. cyber-cafes, internet buying, improved cash withdrawal facilities (ATMs) and so on.

 

How does it benefit village retailers?

  • Training, tailored to the needs of rural retailers
  • Support through its expanding network of Field workers
  • Workshops between retailers, manufacturers and suppliers on issues like pack sizes, minimum drop quantities, and promotions and advertising aimed at the rural community
  • Village Shops Websites: www.rural-shops-alliance.co.uk www.villageshops.org.uk

 

 

Support for Community/Social Enterprises

 

Community ownership is often the only viable option for villages wishing to retain or introduce a local shop. ViRSA supports rural communities wanting to set up and run a community owned shop by providing practical assistance through a network of community retail advisers, a national office and various publications.

 

ViRSA is a national charity dedicated to supporting villages wishing to provide this service.  It also has the expertise to carry out research and development projects on behalf of the Government and other organisations. For further information visit www.virsa.org.uk