New Programme Aims To 'Revitalise' Small Independent Retailers

Belfast City Council has announced the launch of its new 'Revitalise' programme, which aims to help small independent retailers enhance their retail skills and increase their business profitability.

Revitalise is part of the UK-wide 'Healthy High Streets' initiative – a national campaign involving 100 cities and operated by Business in the Community NI, in association with a number of private sector partners – Boots UK, Santander and Marks & Spencer (M&S).

Under the programme, 30 new-start and existing independent retailers will benefit from free targeted masterclasses and mentoring support, being delivered by Boots UK, EE, Santander, M&S and Belfast City Council.

Announcing the programme, Councillor Aileen Graham, Chair of the council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "We are delighted to be working with our corporate partners to support local, small independent retailers who are the lifeblood of our communities.

"The Revitalise programme will provide our retailers with a fantastic opportunity to help them to boost their retail skills, improve their sales and profit margins and we would urge local retailers to book their place on the programme as soon as possible."

The first masterclass will take place on Wednesday 24 August in the Santander branch in Royal Avenue. Running throughout the day with drop-in sessions, the class will focus on financial planning with advice given on day-to-day business banking, savings and insurance and an offer of free business plans assessments.

This will be followed by a second masterclass at the M&S store in Donegall Place on Tuesday 4 October (9.30am – 1.30pm) which will look at visual merchandising.

The third masterclass will be held on Wednesday 26 October in the Boots store in Donegall Place (9.30am – 1.30pm) and will focus on the delivery of great customer service. This combined seminar and workshop session will be delivered by Boots and EE.

For more information on the Revitalise programme, contact the council's Economic Development Unit.

(MH)