One year ago, a plan was hatched to help businesses in Devizes recover from the impact of the pandemic which the country hopes will soon come to an end.
Web developer Ida McConnell crossed paths with Justina Pettifer after the pair had separately begun a search for ways to bring struggling retailers together.
As cases steadily rose throughout the 2020 summer, retailers had been left with lingering anxieties.
“I had always wanted to do some kind of project to showcase the independent shops I loved,” explained Ida.
“The pandemic fast-tracked the idea, then Justina got in touch and we started to work on it properly.”
Jemma Brown and Giles Morgan were soon enlisted to help spread the word on what Devizes has to offer for locals and visitors to the historic market town. Posters soon sprung up across Devizes and a directory of businesses was collected online.
During lockdown, this was updated with important information on how people could order online and while supporting local retailers.
"Everyone responded really well," said Jemma.
"This was new for us and we were learning as we went, but it was clear it was something the town needed."
Since its beginnings, two hugely successful Indie Days have been held, with the support of the town council, and the Indies model has grown so popular that other towns are eyeing up their own version of an indie directory.
This time last year, InDevizes was a website and Facebook page, now it has evolved into a much larger social enterprise known as Devizes Retailers and Independents, or more simply the Devizes Indies.
Exciting events are in the pipeline; a consultation is exploring a potential e-cargo bike delivery service and retailers continue to find new ways of working together.
And for Ida, Justina and Jemma – the journey has had some unexpected benefits. Friendships have blossomed not just between the trio, but across the Indie's wide range of volunteers, including the likes of Rosie Berry.
“We have become like sisters,” said Justina. “We really have become such good friends throughout all this, and some great relationships between businesses have happened which is brilliant.
Ida added: “What we really want now is more people to come forward. To work on the Indies for the future and hopefully help grow us even more.”
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