Joint working boost for Birmingham retailers

Struggling retailers in and around Birmingham are set to benefit from a new initiative launched by Business Link West Midlands (BLWM) and the City Council, aimed at boosting sales and increasing profit and footfall.

The Market Towns Retail Roadshow will visit the Community Centre, on Heathfield Road in Kings Heath from 6pm – 8:45pm on October 29 and follows on from the success of earlier pilot events across the West Midlands.

Nikki Carr Town Centre Manager for Kings Heath and Moseley said: “The past 12 months have been challenging for everyone, and the high streets have also felt the impact of the recession.

“In order to sustain the local independent retail offer in the local high street, it is important to be doing what we can to support these businesses - schemes such as the Retail Development Programme from Birmingham City Council is demonstrating a commitment to trying to address these difficult times.

“In addition, the free support and guidance agencies such as BLWM can offer is just adding to the offer we can provide to retailers in this climate and I would urge businesses to see what benefits they may be able to gain from these initiatives".

Alan Wood , Business Link Regional Partnership Manager added: “BLWM pleased to bring this exciting new initiative to South Birmingham so that independent retailers can better skill themselves with the business ‘know how’ needed to capitalise on their potential and increase their profit margins and footfall.

“We are committed to helping businesses across the region to thrive and believe that the roadshow is an amazing opportunity for independent retailers to take advice from industry experts and work towards a better financial future for the high street.”

Anyone wanting to attend can contact 0845 113 1234, email: events@businesslinkwm.co.uk or visit www.businesslinkwm.co.uk or Nikki.Carr@birmingham.gov.uk