The high street is going through an extraordinary period of change and I strongly believe that independents have a big role to play.

Delivering tailored training, coaching and advice for independent shops, providing a holistic view that strengthens existing knowledge and fills in any gaps.

We work with independent retailers, on a group basis through programmes in partnership with local Councils, BID Teams, Growth Hubs or with a group of committed individuals working together. Each programme is tailored to the requirements of the retailers (and funder if applicable) taking into consideration the length of time available and budget.

We aim to ensure independent retailers remain resilient and have the best possible chance to thrive.

The Retail Development Programme™

The Retail Development Programme™ has been designed specifically for independent retailers on the high street and offers a rounded overview of retail best practices through eight workshops. The topics are linked and work together, allowing one to build on another, giving a firm foundation of basics and more progressive opportunities for growth.

The programme offers expert retail training tailored to the needs of each business. The aim is to enable business owners to remain resilient to external factors, increase profitability, support retail jobs and reduce shop vacancy rates. This programme has been created and continually refined since 2014 through the experience gained while delivering this to a wide variety of retailers across the UK.

Each workshop aims to build knowledge step by step, allowing the business owner to implement changes within their business and see increased growth and productivity. They are designed as working sessions with the participants having the opportunity to work ‘on’ their business, identifying opportunities and creating action plans. Being in a group of people from the same area allows networking and peer support to take place; as a result, great collaborations often happen, networking groups are formed, and future town events are better supported. Individual coaching alongside the workshop enables more specific support to check the understanding and implementation of the workshop content.

Running your own business can be hard work and lonely; independent retailers especially can find themselves isolated. In our experience, bringing people together for this type of programme (especially if they are comfortable sharing their challenges) leaves a lasting network once the programme has finished. Often a challenge shared by one person can be supported by others in the room and they realise they're not alone when facing a problem.

  • Facilitates time out of their business to work on development with an expert

  • Attendees gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of retail and how they work together

  • Understanding all aspects of their business in detail leads to better planning and review and well-informed decisions

  • Attracts and supports new entrants to the high street supporting sustainability

  • Builds trust and better communication between Councils, other local organisations and independent retailers

  • Individuals grow in confidence and renewed enthusiasm for their business through the mentoring and coaching received

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss the Programme in more detail. The workshop content and 1-to-1 support is completely adaptable and flexible and can be tailored to the needs of participating retailers.

Participant and Council comments below

If you’re an independent retailer… this way! …head to the Independent Retail Community

  • We have been delighted with the business mentoring programme delivery and the impact this has had on individual businesses and the reputation of the Borough Council. We have seen some exceptional enhancements from Sally and the team’s work and this has given the individual businesses the vigour required to push ahead in growing their businesses and retaining their customers. The businesses feel supported and loved and this has been the biggest success. I personally feel that the work my team and I are delivering in Ashford has been greatly enhanced by the support Sally and the team gave. The mentoring achieved stronger businesses able to move forward and survive on the high street in uncertain times. I would like to thank Sally and the team for their expertise and enthusiasm for the businesses and the Town Centre.

  • You’ve provided an excellent service and we’ve had fantastic feedback from all our participants. You’ve brought great skill and personality to the mentoring scheme and worked really well with a range of retailers from different backgrounds and levels of experience. This scheme has shown the value of a professional, targeted mentoring service with people who have a strong knowledge of retail. The programme structure worked well and we would like to see how we can run a similar programme in future with a longer timescale to enjoy the long-term effects.

  • It allows you to talk to other business owners and gain an insight into what they are doing. It also offers professional advice that is not technical but on a level you can understand.

  • Being able to actually sit down!... and discuss my business - being able to reflect on the positive and negative elements and being able to make effective changes!

  • The workshops really gave me a better understanding of business. I now know how to plan properly by deciding on a time frame and breaking down objectives into allotted sections. This process prevents feeling overwhelmed!

  • It will help you find a clearer path to move your business forward

  • Come and be inspired and given ideas.

  • Make sure you make time to do it! Invaluable and thought-provoking, supportive, great!!

  • Really beneficial and made me feel like my business was achievable.

The best way to suceed is to have specific intent, a clear vision, a plan of action and the ability to maintain clarity ~ Steve Maraboli