An empty warehouse has been filled with 'shopping pods' for small businesses to sell their handmade items under one roof.

Shop-In-Pods Emporium has taken over a new unit in Javelin Way on the Henwood Industrial Estate in Ashford in a new space called the Creative Enterprise Centre.

It's a place where independent businesses from around Kent can rent a 'pod' or display cabinets to sell their items alongside other sellers.

It was set up by husband and wife team Simon and Clare Herst from Folkestone who wanted to find a way to help small businesses like theirs grow.

The idea stemmed from them setting up Clare’s Boutique and Shabby Chic in Ashford nine years ago.

Since then, they have been trying to find a way to expand while supporting other traders in a similar position to their own.

Mr Herst, 45, explained: "We had a vision a few years ago where we wanted to try to help smaller companies develop in one space.

"They fill the space and we sell the items for them so they can build their business remotely.

"If someone offered us something like this five years ago, we would have definitely taken it.

"We believe there are a lot of opportunities in Ashford and we looked around the area and there was nothing like this.

"We want this to become an emporium for bespoke and rare items made by locals.

"We have an upholsterer, an Avon rep, we have a candles and wax company, a sweet shop coming in, an artist called Nathan who makes lamps out of cameras, a florist, a ladies' clothing and accessories business, a baby clothing line and a man who makes bars out of oak barrels.

"You can get any sort of gift, for any sort of person and it has all been made by local people."

There are 30 businesses selling from the site but this could rise to more than 100 when the upstairs pods and display cabinets open in the next few weeks.

While the shops opened on January 7, an official launch is planned for the end of March.

Mr Herst added: "The reaction in Ashford has been fantastic and so has the footfall.

"Considering it has been January, we have had about 800 people in.

"Every one business has their own space and you wouldn't get any of this stuff in the town centre.

"The Shop-In-Pods logo is an umbrella, it's all about the community of sellers we are creating in here that makes the difference."

Rebecca Abbott, from Willesborough, is one of the people who has taken over a pod.

She runs Iris Jane Home Scents, a candle and wax company, which was set up during lockdown.

With so many shops closing in the town centre, she feels this is a great alternative.

She said: "It is very financially difficult for small businesses but having a retail outlet was the next step for me to progress.

"The concept is just fabulous, local businesses supporting each other is important to me.

"There are so many businesses in Ashford that have had to shut up shop because of high rates but this is an affordable alternative and it's completely unique.

"A big selling point is that I don't actually have to be here.

"I pop in a couple of times a week but I can still focus on getting everything made."

Shop-in-Pods is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm.