Two exciting local independent businesses have been selected as winners of LaunchBideford, a new initiative led by Torridge District Council, in partnership with Bideford Town Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and a network of local supporters.
Following a competitive selection process, Mrs Animation, founded by Sarah Lee Pettifer, and Devonshire Cork and Vine, founded by Christopher John Sheppard, have been chosen to receive six months of rent-free space in Butchers Row at Bideford’s Pannier Market, alongside free access to HelloThriver.com and hands-on support to help them grow.
LaunchBideford was designed not only to help businesses grow, but to reimagine how empty shops can be transformed into thriving hubs for local enterprise and community life. The competition attracted over 40 applications from across the district. Every application was carefully reviewed, and a shortlist of businesses were invited to interview before the final winners were selected.
Meet the winners.
Mrs Animation, run by Sarah Pettifer, will create a destination for art lovers, creatives, and the curious. Her space will feature live events and interactive exhibitions, turning the market into a hub for creativity, performance and community engagement.
Sarah Pettifer, owner of Mrs Animation, said: “Winning a shop through LaunchBideford is genuinely a dream come true. I’m so excited to bring the Mrs Animation Gallery & Studio to life in the heart of Butchers Row. This opportunity is not only helping me grow my business, but also allowing me to create a vibrant, creative, and inclusive space for the community. I’m incredibly grateful and can’t wait to get started! Follow me on socials @mrsanimation to keep up with my art campaigns, exhibitions, and everything exciting I’ve got coming up.”
Devonshire Cork and Vine, led by Christopher Sheppard, is an independent wine and spirits business focused on curated, high-quality selections with a strong emphasis on regional producers. The new shop will offer tastings, specialist advice, and products not typically found on the high street.
Christopher Sheppard, owner of Devonshire Cork and Vine, said: “I’d like to thank Torridge District Council, SaveTheHighStreet.org and everyone involved in making this scheme possible. It’s an amazing opportunity for the local community and a huge boost for my business. I’m looking forward to working with the teams and introducing the people of Bideford and the surrounding areas to some fantastic wines and beers – both from around the world and right here at home. I can’t wait to get started and meet everyone.”
Kirsty Defranceski, Town Centre Project Officer at Torridge District Council, said:
“We were delighted to receive such a wide range of interesting and exciting entries from across the region. We very impressed and inspired by the amount of entrepreneurial talent on our doorsteps – selecting the winners was a difficult decision! We wish Sarah Pettifer (Mrs Animation) and Christopher Sheppard (Devonshire Cork and Vine), the very best of luck, and hope that the local community checks them out in their new home.”
Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “This is what LaunchBideford is all about – backing local talent with the space and support to succeed. With free access to Thriver, both winners will have the tools they need to grow, stay focused and make a real impact on the high street.”
For more information, please visit https://savethehighstreet.org.bideford
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