Rutland Garden Village has revealed an initiative to help independent local businesses during July and August.

The Langham garden centre says the Global Pandemic and subsequent Lockdowns has had a devastating effect on local businesses, producers, crafts people, and artists.

Therefore, over the summer, the village will open its site to independent local businesses who would like to showcase their products, their work, their art, hold a workshop or demonstration.

Home-based businesses that have sprung up over the past year are also welcome to take part.

Brand Ambassador for Rutland Garden Village, Miranda Jones, said: "We've been fortunate to be able to remain open during the latest lockdowns and as restrictions are eased and shops can open again, it's imperative that

local independent businesses are supported, and that this becomes the new normal.

"With support, small businesses can become bigger businesses, can employ local people… this is how we can re-build a resilient and sustainable local economy – this is a new normal that we can decide to create.

"At Rutland Garden Village we want to do what we can for local enterprise. We have a large site, great footfall, and a genuine desire to work collaboratively

with other businesses, producers, artists, artisans and crafters."

Rutland Garden Village aims to hold a craft and artisan fair towards the end of the summer.

Anybody interested in getting involved with Small Business Summer should contact Miranda at the Garden Village via email [email protected] or phone 07506

There will be no charge to any business wishing to get involved.