Community First supporting Rural Enterprise in Wiltshire and across the South West

Community First has become a lead organisation in the support of village retailing and rural business and enterprise in Wiltshire and Swindon and more recently across the South West region. The variety of work now undertaken has grown out of a dedicated programme which began in 2005 supporting a range of retailers, small businesses and social enterprises in communities throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

This work has become increasingly important helping communities find solutions to replace essential services lost in their villages and neighbourhoods. The work fits with the ‘Big Society’ agenda and we are seeking to build on the work we have already achieved in supporting services (where appropriate) into community ownership. In Wiltshire we have thirteen volunteer run community shops and a variety of other rurally based social enterprises which have received advice and support from Community First.

Our work rural enterprise work includes:

Post Point

Village Shops and Community Retailing

Rural Enterprise

Store is the Core