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Press Release from Stroud District Council: Retailer Project proves to be a success	09:00 on 13/10/2006
The Retailer Support Programme, led by Stroud District Council, has been well received by retailers. The scheme has been running now for two years, and the majority of funding comes from Gloucestershire's Rural Renaissance scheme - Stroud District, Tewkesbury Borough and Cotswold District Councils are the other funding partners - the scheme is delivered by Business Link Gloucestershire. The programme is available for independent retailers employing fewer than 11 employees, and has helped 37 businesses up to date. Local retailers who have already joined the scheme have praised it for giving them the confidence and skills they needed to make their businesses more successful and for the practical and professional support offered: "I must tell you the exiting news that since we have completed some of the suggestions you gave us during the retail project, our sales at The Made in Stroud Shop have indeed doubled. Considering everyone in retail is concerned about the recent drop in trade, we are delighted." - Clare Gerbrands, Made in Stroud "The Action Learning part of the retail project and brainstorming sessions with other retailers gave me some valuable fresh insight to improving my business. Our new reception area is far more welcoming for our customers - I don't know why I didn't think of it years ago!" - Amanda Cale, CGA Engraving "The retail project helped us to make major decisions on where and how to relocate, how to market the two very different markets (shop and online) and a very real need of not feeling isolated." - Paper Arts "The Retail project has been a challenging experience but extremely rewarding. I couldn't have done it without external expertise and experience." - The Little People Company Councillor Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, Stroud District Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: "We are delighted that the project has been well received and particularly pleased that retailers who have taken part feel that the help is real rather than theoretical. This has been the necessary extra boost for the local businesses in our market towns". Local retailers interested in finding out more about the Retail Business Support Programme should contact Rob Thomas at Business Link Gloucestershire on 01242 863863 or email rob.thomas@blgl.co.uk
Contact: Tiina Emsley, Regeneration Officer Tel: 01453 754301