THE region’s first conference for farm shop businesses kicks off in Ipswich next week.

The Eastern Region Farm and Food Retailing Conference takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday (October 18 and 19) and its theme will be creating and sustaining a successful farm shop and farm retail business in an economic downturn.

The event, organised by Tastes of Anglia and LandSkills East, includes a keynote speech by retail expert Dennis Reid, and workshops on themes including harnessing the power of social and online media, delivering award-winning service and improving your work-life balance.