Rural shops in the Carlisle area, recovering
from the recession, are being offered free business support from a
local ‘Shop Doctor’.
Carlisle City Council is funding the £20,000
scheme that will provide specialist advice on how to make the most
of window displays; how a shop and its goods are laid out; and how
to improve customer care.
As part of the initiative, one to one ‘shop
reviews’ are available from Bill Smith aka the ‘Shop Doctor’, a
specialist in helping rural shops improve their businesses.
Thirty-one local businesses have already signed up for support and
are already reaping the rewards.
Bill Smith said: “The provision of specialist
retail advice has been extremely well received and seen as a very
positive contribution to help boost retail vitality by the
businesses taking part.”
Michael Neilson, the owner and Manager of
Longtown Post Office has been running his business for the last 19
years. Following on a visit from Bill Smith, Mr Neilson has changed
the layout of his shop and was shown how to display his goods to
the best effect.
He said: “Since making the suggested changes,
we’ve had a very encouraging response from our customers. They are
able to find things easier and they have commented on how
impressive it looks.”
Carlisle City Council is urging rural
businesses to sign up for the last remaining places soon to avoid
disappointment.
Free evening workshops are also available.
Each allows local business people to swap ideas with fellow
retailers. Both events will be held at The Howard Arms, Brampton
between 7pm and 9pm. The first session will be on Tuesday, 13 July
and is entitled: “I never knew you sold that”, this will be
followed by the second session on Thursday, 22 July entitled:
“Making more of the floor”.
Cllr Marilyn Bowman, Portfolio holder for
Economic Development, said:
“Funding has been set aside to help local rural
businesses recover from the recession and we are urging rural
businesses to sign up to the free expert support. The programme is
over five phases and covers everything from how to improve the
outside and inside of a shop, to customer care. Rural businesses
have a lot of offer our communities and this scheme is an
opportunity that they shouldn’t miss.”
To book a review or a place on the workshop, telephone Elaine
Tullet at South Lakes Development Trust on 015394 40020 or email
reception@sdlt.co.uk