Traders urged to sign up for free 'High Street Boost' sessions in Stafford
Retailers in Stafford are being urged to sign up for a scheme aimed at helping them to improve their trade.
The ‘Stafford High Street Boost’ initiative, launched last year by Stafford Borough Council in partnership with leading retail consultancy Good2Great, is helping to transform trade in the town centre.
The final event in the programme is planned for February 19 and a last call to businesses has now gone out.
A range of free workshops covering topics such as digital marketing, customer and community engagement and window dressing have been held, as well as one-to-one sessions between Good2Great experts and shop owners.
Participants can also apply for a ‘High Street Boost Grant’ of between £2,000 and £20,000, with a 20% match fund requirement.
“So far the scheme has been a resounding success and we are proud of the positive response to our work in Stafford – we are seeing real results,” said Roger Boyle of Good2Great, who has extensive experience of helping retailers.
“With the final event now planned, we hope that as many traders as possible will participate - it is completely free of charge so this is a great opportunity.”
The workshop sessions and tailored one-to-one diagnostic sessions run from 5.30pm until 7.30pm at The Posthouse in Greengate Street, Stafford, on Wednesday February 19 and will be followed up with tailored diagnostic sessions.
One of the businesses who have benefitted from the scheme is the Plumbits bathroom showroom in Gaolgate.
Manager Julie James said: “We are so pleased we joined the High Street Boost programme. We have received so much quality advice and support from Roger Boyle and even though our business has been going 40 years, we have learnt new ways of thinking about the business, ensuring we continue to grow our business and adapt to the ever-challenging external environment we work in.”
Places for the sessions are limited to 20 businesses per event and places can be booked at https://good-2-great-8499938.hs-sites.com/staffordhighstreetboost
The retail initiative is one part of a £500,000 Stafford Borough Council programme being rolled out to help businesses in the borough, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
