SMALL businesses can take to the high street in a new pop-up shop initiative being run by South Lakeland District Council.

The shop, 28C on Finkle Street, gives fledgling businesses an opportunity to rent a shop unit for a short period.

SLDC says it hopes those currently only trading on the internet would consider using the shop, as would those wary of committing to a long term lease.

The authority says it is in an ideal location to conduct market research and promote a brand name.

Staff from SLDC’s economic development team will also be on hand to offer support and guidance during the short-term let, which would typically last for two to four weeks.

It has recently been re-decorated and re-carpeted and pop-up shop tenants will have use of some furniture that is already in the shop.

It is available to rent for £50 per week, which is less than half the normal market rate and includes all mains services costs and building insurance, however the tenant would need to arrange insurance to cover their own stock.

Latest figures show that the district as a whole has an average shop vacancy rate of 8.12 per cent, well below the national average of 13.3 per cent.

Cllr Giles Archibald, South Lakeland District Council’s portfolio holder for Town Centres and Small Business, said: “We have a key council plan commitment to work to reduce the number of empty shops on our high streets, and the ‘pop-up shop’ is the latest initiative in our efforts to address that issue."

To becoming a tenant, contact SLDC’s economic development team on 01539 793280 or email econ.dev@southlakeland.gov.uk