Two young businesswomen are set to share high street shop space in order to boost profits.

Minx lingerie, currently located in Station Road, Epping, is to move in with beauty and fashion specialist So Glam in High Road to cut costs and attract new customers.

Minx owner, Sarah Kay, said rent and rates had become too expensive for the business to flourish, so she took the opportunity to innovate rather than move out of the area.

She said: “In these economic times you have to look for different ways to make your business a success. Our businesses complement each other nicely.”

The plan was hatched after Miss Kay discussed the possibility of leaving the area due to the lack of passing trade at her current location with So Glam owner, Georgia Kousoulou.

The new arrangement is set to save Miss Kay around half of her monthly costs, freeing up funds for other areas of the business, such as advertising.

And Miss Kousoulou will also be taking on six additional staff and installing new sunbeds upstairs as a result of the move.

The 22-year-old said: “It’s good that Sarah’s not had to leave. Shops need other shops to survive. I do not want to be the only one left.”

The young entrepreneur has been a vociferous campaigner for better parking for shoppers and is pleased with the new short stay measures in Cottis Lane car park.

She said: “I’ve noticed a bit more business slowly coming back. It’s better than it was.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Miss Kay who suggested Epping would also profit from enhanced Christmas shopping.

“We could improve Christmas shopping with better lights and celebrities to switch them on,” she said.

The move is to be launched on So Glam’s first anniversary on September 28th, when there will be free sunbeds use all day and discounts on clothing.