Moreton-in-Marsh town councillor pops up with antique business (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Ali Coggins runs online-based Flip Antiques selling distinctive vintage and antiquated objects and is taking part in Pop-Up Moreton

5:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News By Ian Craig

A TOWN councillor in Moreton-in-Marsh is putting her civic duties aside for two weeks to take part in an innovative new business venture.

Ali Coggins runs online-based Flip Antiques selling distinctive vintage and antiquated objects and is taking part in Pop-Up Moreton – a scheme allowing small businesses to get a taste of life in the retail lane.

The scheme sees three new businesses at a time set up at a vacant shop in the Old Market Way shopping centre to gain experience of operating in a retail environment.

The first set of businesses ran with a romantic theme to coincide with Valentine’s Day, while the second are running with a Vintage and Modern theme.

Hook Norton-based Vintage Décor is also on hand offering signed prints while Evesham fine arts graduate Nikki Moulton – owner of Florence & Belle – is bringing her unique artworks to the shop. The three shops will be on site until Friday March 1 when three new tenants will move in.

The PopUp Shop initiative – run by StartUp Britain – has been helping new companies in London to success since last summer, but this is the first time it has ventured outside the capital.

The Moreton PopUp shop will be open until March 29.