Free Mentoring Scheme offers support to independent high street businesses in Chichester District

The High Street Business Mentoring Scheme is being funded by Chichester District Council and will be delivered by retail and high streets expert, Clare Bailey, and her team at The Retail Champion.

The scheme will offer a mentoring package for businesses, working with them to develop a tailored action plan that will focus on improving each organisation's efficiency, resilience, and commercial growth. The scheme has been developed as part of the council's ongoing work to support local businesses.

To be eligible for the scheme, businesses must be independent in retail, hospitality or hair and beauty and operating in a business premises in one of the district's high streets in Chichester, East Wittering, Petworth, Midhurst or Selsey.

"Working with local businesses to provide them with a wide range of support has been an ongoing area of work for us as a council," says Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council. "Our new Retail Mentoring Scheme is just one of the many ways in which we are continuing to provide that support for our high street businesses.

"In the past, businesses have been offered opportunities to attend Retail Workshops as part of a wider Independent Retail Support Programme. As a council, we now want to offer direct one-to-one mentoring and support that will help businesses identify opportunities for growth that are specific to their own business.

"We have found that businesses are sometimes unsure of the best way to develop their business further and that they would appreciate expert advice to identify the steps to take. This is why we are delighted to be delivering this scheme with Clare and her team at The Retail Champion, as they are specialists in recognising particular areas in which a business can grow and thrive. We can't wait to see how this scheme will help independent retailers succeed across the district."

"We are thrilled to be working with the council to provide expert support to local high street businesses," says Clare Bailey, Founder of The Retail Champion. "The challenges facing our high street businesses are well known, but with the right guidance, these can be overcome.

"This initiative is an opportunity for businesses to access expert advice at no cost. Whether it's breaking through barriers, or creating new ideas and strategies, we're here to help local businesses thrive. We encourage any independent businesses in the eligible areas to reach out to us."

The High Street Business Mentoring Scheme is open for independent businesses operating on the high streets of Chichester, East Wittering, Petworth, Midhurst, or Selsey. To find out more or to arrange an introductory call, eligible businesses should contact Clare Bailey at: clare.bailey@retailchampion.co.uk or: 07462 218000.

People can find out more about Chichester District Council's business advice and support on their web page.

Date of release: 9 October 2024

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