Queen of Shops Mary Portas’ inspired ‘Guide to Successful Retailing’ workshops are coming back to Falkirk, with the next series of courses due to commence in October 2012.
Following resounding success of May’s events, the master classes will offer small and independent retailers the retail guru’s ‘no nonsense’ advice and techniques – all designed to help compete in today’s tough retail climate.
Three bespoke programmes all aimed at small to medium sized businesses in the area will take place and, with external funding available, local retailers could benefit free of charge.
Cllr Dennis Goldie, Convener of Economic Strategy and Development said: “The workshops that took place earlier this year were hugely successful, with 100% of those attending finding them helpful in meeting their objectives. They not only help businesses to understand their offering, but also look at their pitfalls, what they may be doing right or wrong, and in turn help to see how this can be turned around.
“The economic downturn has hit every industry hard, and we feel it is extremely important that small and medium sized business owners in the area are supported and inspired to become even better. The courses will give retailers the skills and indeed the confidence to take their business to the next level, and we are delighted that they are returning to Falkirk.”
The workshops will be delivered by a specially trained retail expert with the training content inspired by Mary Portas. Best known for her ‘no nonsense’ and practical approach to improving Britain's small high street retailers in her BBC TV show 'Mary Queen of Shops', the Mary Portas ‘Guide to Successful Retailing’ covers every stage of creating and running a successful retail business, from building and maintaining a vision for your business to creating a great looking shop that sets you apart from the rest.
Local business ‘Sew Easy’ took part in the May master-classes, and found them extremely informative. Owner Angela Sneddon has been in business for five years and, as an experienced retailer, thought she knew everything she needed to know about business. Angela said: “The courses gave me so much helpful information which I have already been able to put into practice in my shop. The relaxed and informal sessions were fantastic; and I really enjoyed being able to network with other local businesses as we could bounce ideas off each other.”
Local dog grooming business ‘4 Legged Trends’ also took part in the May session, with proprietor Emma Hunter new to business. Emma said: “I started up my dog grooming business following over 20 years in the NHS, so the courses were extremely informative and helpful to me. The information packs provided are full of handy hints and tips that I’ve already been looking back and dipping into them. I would highly recommend the courses to anyone interested.”
For the first time delegates will have a choice of dates with the course being available both evenings and weekends, commencing Monday 29th October for 6 consecutive weeks and Sunday 4th November for 3 weeks. Monday sessions will run in the evenings from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and Sunday sessions will be held from 10am – 2.00pm.