Over the six years of the Vital Villages Project, we have put in place a range of training opportunities to help run a local community project and to help shop keepers and shop staff to improve their retailing skills and offer the best service.

As well as promoting the best existing techniques and good practice, the scheme was designed to be flexible and respond to your ideas.

We have also promoted new ideas and new ways of working. We recognise that Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) are starting to have a big impact on the way people shop and get access to information and services. We want to make sure that those who live in rural communities, those who don't have a home computer and those who are worried about new technology don't get left behind.