The Weymouth BID has been part of the Healthy High Streets team since 2015 and on the 25th May 2016 they will be hosting a Multiple Retailers Forum at Debenhams, Weymouth between 10am – 11.30 am. The forum will be an opportunity for Weymouth’s multiple businesses to share and discuss issues and information that affect their business in Weymouth.
The forum is being championed by Marks & Spencer and other partners as part of the Healthy High Streets programme which Weymouth was successful in becoming a part of in 2015.
The Healthy High Street Forum’s original partners have met on a few occasions and through discussion have formed a view that the Weymouth’s multiple retailers need a forum that focuses on issues and information that are more specific to multiples.
Whilst many issues face all businesses trading in town centres and high streets, data on how the town is performing against other areas through footfall and activity can help support shops own data.
In addition, providing information on activity and events in the town, particularly at seasonal trading periods, will help support decisions on opening hours and potential promotions by stores to complement activity in the town to encourage footfall.
The ultimate aim is to help increase footfall and trade within Weymouth town for all.
A forum has proved successful in other towns and will be supported by Weymouth BID to provide the administrative and communication “back up” but Healthy High Street Partners will take the lead.
The group is currently composed of Marks & Spencer, Boots, Wilko, Santander and a co-ordinator from Healthy High Streets, Pete Valance. Pete Valance is seconded from the Co-op to help support the programme both for Weymouth and other towns in the scheme.
Nigel Reed , Weymouth BID Manager said “ Whilst there are other organisations in the town that have aims to improve trade, this is the only specific forum focusing on multiple retailers in Weymouth and it is hoped could become a very useful forum in Weymouth. The intention is to only have 4 meetings a year with much of the information and requested feedback to be provided online. “
Time Management
The team are very aware that managing a store is always busy, time is important and the pressures from Area Management and Head Office will always take priority. However, the Forum could help improve some of the issues faced, relieve some of the pressure and help in reporting back what is happening locally.
At the initial meeting Multiples will have the opportunity to raise important issues and inform the group about what information could be helpful to them.
Healthy High Street Programme
Healthy High Streets a programme which Weymouth BID succeeded in becoming one of the 33 towns involved in the project.
www.bitc.org.uk/programmes/healthy-high-streets
The fundamental aim :
Launched in 2014, the Healthy High Streets programme provides intensive support for high streets. Over a three year period the programme will support 100 locations to revitalise high streets and engage large businesses in their local communities
Any enquiries to Nigel Reed, BID Manager,Weymouth BID Ltd
To Book please email [email protected] by 23 May .
