Seminar to promote retail

The City Centre Independent Retailing Programme was initiated by Derry City Council as a response to various issues raised by independent traders in 2009 in respect of the economic vitality of the City Centre.

Council, through its Economic Development Action Plan allocated 20,000 to finance the programme to support the participation of twenty City Centre independent retailers to take up a place on this dedicated business mentoring initiative.

The Programme was delivered by Full Circle Management Solutions on behalf of Derry City Council and included one-to-one mentoring, themed master classes on key business areas such as marketing, selling and customer care.

Other components of the Programme included mystery shop exercise and evaluation as well as tailored business improvement plan for each participant.

One of the participants of the Programme, Ian Curtis of Curtis Opticians, speaking at the Networking Event said: "The Retail programme provided very beneficial elements which has helped us to look at the way we want to improve our business and ultimately enhance business competitiveness.

"Overall I feel that the retail programme has provided us with the opportunity to go forward in the future and has set us on a path where we are much better focused in all aspects of our business."

William Grant, of Walkrite Dyerite, said: "I have found the retail programme very beneficial and enlightening. To be able to talk to and experience the knowledge of these professional people from Full Circle was tremendous."

Councillor Helen Quigley, Chair of Development Committee, endorsing the seminar, said it provided retailers with an excellent opportunity to identify new business opportunities, exchange ideas and network with other retailers.

"The retail sector in our city forms a vital part of the economy of Derry and indeed the North West region and beyond. Whilst there are issues that fall outside the control of Council such as parking and traffic management, the investment from Council in this Programme is a demonstration of commitment to the City's independent retailing sector.

"The feedback from the participants has been very positive and I hope that they can benefit from it in terms of improving their competitiveness in what are very challenging economic times. The independent retailing sector is very important to the overall vitality and viability of our City Centre."