Extra workshops are being arranged in Telford to meet demand from town centre traders keen to get involved with a programme to help boost their business.
The workshops are being funded through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride In Your High Street Fund, and organisers say they are delighted by the reaction from traders so far.
The first sessions have been launched in Oakengates and are being rolled out in Wellington, Newport, Madeley, Donnington, Ironbridge and Hadley.
More workshops are now being held in Oakengates after demand grew so strongly following the launch in May.
Sally Themans, from the team delivering the business support programme, said a lot of work was taking place to make people aware of the workshops in each area.
She said: “There are a wide variety of sessions on offer, from social media workshops to window dressing advice and lots more besides, and we are delighted that traders are getting involved.
“We have just launched in Newport and Wellington which were both really positive and word is starting to get around that these practical workshops are a great opportunity for people to improve their business at no cost to themselves whatsoever.
“All of the workshops are very hands-on, and we have had fantastic feedback from the traders who have attended them so far – so much so that we are now having to put more on in Oakengates because demand is so high, which is great.”
Many of the workshops can be arranged at a time to suit individual traders, and are all aimed at helping businesses to attract more customers and kick-start an upward curve for high streets across Telford & Wrekin.
All workshops are followed up by ongoing individually-tailored support on a one-to-one basis, as well as further coaching at the business owner’s premises.
Traders at the launch in Wellington, held at The Pheasant Inn brewery tap on June 8, said they were excited to get going and appealed for more traders to get involved.
Deltora Malone, of Caribbean food outlet, Joy’s Place in The Parade, said: “It’s really quite inspiring because all the various elements of the sessions are the kinds of things I think I need to know.
“I know lots of people who have either set up their own business or are thinking about it, and this will give them more confidence to get on and become a success.”
Pam Mansell, of Tinks Treasures in Crown Street, added: “It’s really important that everyone gets involved – including the bigger shops – because we have a great local town and we should all be working together to promote it.”
For more information about how to get involved, go to the project website at www.good-2-great.co.uk/piyhs or call 01952 951234.
More details about the Pride In Your High Street Fund are on the Telford & Wrekin Council website at http://www.telford.gov.uk/
Deltora Malone (known as Joy) from Joy’s Place talking to Johnny Themans from Good2Great.
