Interactive Support Workshops Continue To Help Town Centre Businesses

Free online business workshops offered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and delivered by a retail specialist The Retail Group, are continuing to support and guide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in East Riding town centres. 

Since the first workshop which took place in Driffield on Tuesday, 19 January, local SMEs have been given practical ideas on how to improve sales, service and customer loyalty.

Louise Peers, co-owner of The Bike Cave in Driffield, came away from the workshop feeling positive based on the information provided.

Louise said: “This was a fantastic course, with great visuals and ideas which left me with a plan and a starting point on how to move forward positively and clearly.

“I’m glad I took the time to listen to the free advice, and I’m ready to let the customer know that the high street and the Bike Cave is open for business again.”

The workshops aim to help improve resilience and grow sales during these challenging times, focusing on actions that allow businesses to continue trading and improving, despite closed premises.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, the portfolio holder for economic development and inward investment at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“These online workshops have, and currently continue to be an excellent opportunity to not only widen businesses’ future plans and ideas but also connect neighbouring local businesses. This will undoubtedly encourage members of our local economy to work together and help change how our towns promote themselves and the businesses within them.

“We have all had to learn to adapt to the pandemic, however, we have also learnt to be more fluid in how we plan expectations and forward-thinking, therefore there is an opportunity to establish new behaviours and habits which these workshops look to help encourage.”

SMEs looking to take full advantage of what the workshops have to offer still have time to attend online at the following:

Hornsea, Tuesday, 2 February, 6-7pm, https://hornworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
Hedon and Withernsea, Thursday, 4 February, 6-7pm, https://seholworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
Goole, Howden and Snaith, Tuesday, 9 February, 6-7pm, https://swerworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
Brough, Hessle, Anlaby, Willerby and Cottingham, Thursday, 11 February, 6-7pm, https://haltworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk
Market Weighton and Pocklington, Tuesday, 16 February, 6-7pm, https://woldsworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk

The workshops are delivered through the Reopening High Streets Safely (ROHSS) Fund, which is European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) aimed at helping businesses and town centres face the challenges ahead.

The council is working hard to prepare town centres to become safer places for customers of all ages in 2021, and it will support the local economy by working with businesses and encouraging footfall and spending.