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Independent retail bodies welcome new report aimed at tackling retail crime.

21 Mar 2024

ACS (The Association of Convenience Stores) and the Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) have both welcomed a new report published by the Association of Police and Crime... Read more…

Indie retailers outperformed supermarkets in sales of organic food, wellness and beauty products in 2023.

21 Mar 2024

As reported by Healthstores UK, new data contained in the 2024 Soil Association Organic Market report shows that independent retailers delivered an impressive 10% growth in 2023, with... Read more…

Cheltenham beer shop and bar wins top UK award.

21 Mar 2024

An independent bottle shop and bar in Cheltenham has been named as the UK's Independent Beer and Wine Retailer of the Year 2024 at the Drinks Retailing Awards. 
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Welsh Government Announce £20m Future Proofing Fund for Retail Businesses in Wales

21 Mar 2024

A number of organisations, including Bira (the British Independent Retailers’ Association), other trade associations, BIDs and unions have met with officials from the Welsh Government to... Read more…

High Street Faces 'Unprecedented Challenges' says Trade Association

21 Mar 2024

The British Independent Retailers’ Association (Bira) has reacted to data released by PwC and the Local Data Company exploring the state of the UK retail landscape.
Read more…

Greeting Card Association expresses concern on new evidence Royal Mail prioritising parcel deliveries over letters.

6 Mar 2024

The Greeting Card Association has reacted to a BBC Panorama programme lifting the lid on Royal Mail management prioritising parcel delivery over letters, which it says are in contradiction of... Read more…

Kate Bush named as Record Store Day ambassador.

4 Mar 2024

Pop star Kate Bush has been announced as an ambassador for this year's Record Store Day, on 20 April.
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Shortlist for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2024 revealed.

4 Mar 2024

The British Book Awards has announced its shortlist for Independent Bookshop of the Year. 
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Local Bike Shop Day 2024 confirmed for Saturday May 4th.

4 Mar 2024

The ACT is happy to confirm the date for Local Bike Shop Day 2024 as Saturday 4 May, the weekend of the early May Bank Holiday.
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New research reveals the best cities in the UK for independent retailers.

4 Mar 2024

Research by global fintech company SumUp has revealed the best cities in the UK for independent businesses.
Read more…

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Town centre shops praise council for initiatives

Posted on in Business News

Businesses in the Devon town of Ottery St Mary have praised their local council for initiatives designed to help support them and boost trade.

Marmalade

Image: facebook.com/rabbitandco.uk

 Ottery St Mary Town Council introduced a grants scheme offering up to £500 to repaint and update shop fronts, along with late night shopping, Christmas events, and a Visit Ottery campaign project.

 Speaking to the BBC, businesses in the town said the shop fronts project had helped boost footfall.

 Earlier this year, the South West Business Council said one in five shops were empty across the region and 1,800 premises closed in 2022.

 The town centre has had five shops open in recent months, the town council said.

 Nicholas Scott, from grocers Rabbit and Co, said the town council had been very supportive.

 He said: "Primarily one of the biggest things for us was when we expanded into this shop here, they contributed to the exterior decoration, helping us make the shop front look nice."

 He said he also hoped nearby housing developments would increase footfall further.

 Grace Mangeng, who opened her hair salon in December, also said the shop fronts project had helped.

 "The shops are looking really, really good which is also bringing people into town and bringing more custom in as well," Ms Mangeng said.

 The town council said: "The council recognises the value of a thriving High Street to help generate a thriving local economy and have already launched a number of initiatives to support our wonderful businesses."

 Ottery St Mary's deputy mayor Dean Stewart said it was great to see shops coming to the town and the council was doing "everything it can" to help.

 

 

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