AN initiative to provide supported access to Great Yarmouth's Victoria Arcade is progressing well, with five out of the available six designated units already let to start-up and expanding retail businesses.

AN initiative to provide supported access to Great Yarmouth's Victoria Arcade is progressing well, with five out of the available six designated units already let to start-up and expanding retail businesses.

The project, a joint initiative between enterpriseGY, Miller Developments and Great Yarmouth Borough Council's business development and support programme, is hoped to provide an innovative new model which could be used to stimulate further retail growth in other parts of the borough.

The six designated units are being made available to those looking to start up or expand a retail business.

One of the first to open its doors is Bambinos, baby and toddler equipment. Owner Michael Wild, said: “I decided to turn to retailing after being made redundant at the beginning of the year and this opportunity was just too good to miss. When I approached NWES they provided free business training and advice before steering me towards this unit at the arcade, which is ideal for our kind of products. After plenty of hard work, we started trading as Bambinos in early September, selling prams, pushchairs, cots and toys for children from birth to five years of age.

“When I first started with the training, the paperwork was daunting, but there was always someone there to give me help and guidance. Once I'd got the hang of it, I then went to extra meetings and workshops to get the maximum benefit from the free advice that enterpriseGY was offering. It all paid off in the end and I certainly wouldn't have made it this far without their assistance - I'm very grateful for everything they did to help me.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about setting up in Victoria Arcade should contact enterpriseGY on 0800 458 0146 or visit www.enterprisegy.co.uk