Free independent retailer training
Posted on in Business News
Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging local independent retailers to sign up now for free training to help them stay afloat, keeping the Mid Sussex high streets vibrant and alive.
Retail experts Martec International is running sessions in the new year following the successful launch session in November 2018. They have just announced the dates for the rest of the free workshops in 2019.
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Councillor and Deputy Leader of Mid Sussex District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
"Independent retailers provide a unique shopping experience to our local towns and villages. We believe this free training will provide practical, down to earth training that will enable local retailers to increase profits and compete more effectively with the chains. We expect demand for places to be high and urge owners of independent shops to sign up now".
The earliest session is on the 8th of January in East Grinstead, focusing on product range and product management.
Further workshops are being held throughout Mid Sussex on the following dates:
- Tuesday 22nd of January - Hurstpierpoint - Visual Merchandising and Better Presentation
- Tuesday 5th of February - Burgess Hill - Marketing, Price, Promotions and advertising
- Tuesday 26th of February - Cuckfield - Sales and Customer Service
- Monday 11th of March - East Grinstead - Inventory and Stock Management
Attending one of these events will make independent retailers eligible for a free coaching and mentoring session with a Martec consultant in their own store. One-to-one sessions will enable the consultants to tailor their advice to the specific needs and future plans of each business.
Mike Lorusso, Owner of Fun Pots in Haywards Heath, attended the first workshop offered and said:
"It met my objectives very well. I thought it was a very worthwhile session. The customer analysis, in particular, was excellent at providing ideas to put theory into practice".
Local retailers can register for the 2019 workshops and find out more here.