SHOPKEEPERS, traders, merchants, manufacturers and professional businessmen and women are joining forces in Chudleigh on a united front to boost the town's economy.
This month, the Chudleigh Business Guild was set up after meetings in January and February to test the water.
The guild's public relations officer, Anne Scanes, who runs an interior design and make-over business, said there were quite a few new faces who had taken over businesses in the town recently.
'We felt we would like to get together to encourage Chudleigh to grow on the retail side and bring in more custom,' she said. As well as shopkeepers etc, there are many who work from home and it is estimated there are 200 involved in business in the town.
The chairman of the guild is Richard Keeling, who runs Pets Corner; Andy Mason, who owns the DIY store, is the secretary; Wendy Macfarlane, of the Old Bakery, is the town council liaison officer, and Jill Gaylor, who has a pets grooming parlour, is the treasurer.
The guild has made its aims: 'To consider and promote all lawful measures, plans and schemes as maybe designed to further improve and secure the trading interests of the members and of the town of Chudleigh and district generally'.
'We want to encompass everyone who is in business, no matter what they do. We want to be an all inclusive organisation and that is why we called ourselves a business guild,' said Mrs Scanes.
The former Co-op premises in Fore Street – it moved next to the town's car park – could soon become two new retail outlets.
'We want to encourage local people to shop with us because we offer service and good value. We are also seeking to secure membership for every single business person in the town.
Chudleigh Business Guild is now looking to set up a website in conjunction with the town council to promote members' businesses.
Those who would like to join the guild should contact Mr Keeling on 01626 852273.