Date: 11/09/2009
Independent retailers looking to thrive in hard economic times have been urged to sign up for two free workshops staged by High Peak Borough Council and partners.
The events in New Mills on Tuesday 6 October and seven days later will be led by self-styled shop doctor Diane Jackson, who has helped retailers across High Peak and the North West to move their businesses forward.
Open to any shop owner, manager or employee in High Peak, the early evening sessions will cover many facets of retail marketing including cost-effective advertising and promotions plus the application of customer psychology used so well by the retail giants.
Similar workshops in Buxton in June were attended by 22 retailers from 17 shops. Inspired attendees included Sarah Wales, of Buxton's Eco Republic café. She said the advice on writing small advertisements had been particularly helpful.
The workshops are informal, with refreshments and plenty of chance for networking. The initiative was launched by the borough council in 2005 but is now delivered across Derbyshire, thanks to the County Council and funding from the Derbyshire Economic Partnership.
Said Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration: "Although there are now some signs of an economic upturn, times remain difficult for retailers. Thankfully, workshops of this nature can give our shops the competitive edge they need to prosper".
To reserve a place at the New Mills events, call Diane Jackson on 0845 129 9948 or send an e-mail to shopdoctor@retailsurvival.co.uk.