Published in Express & Star
A new scheme which is helping Stafford shops to thrive is proving to be a success.The ‘Stafford High Street Boost’ initiative, launched earlier this year by Stafford Borough Council in partnership with leading retail consultancy Good2Great, is looking to transform trade in the town centre.
A range of free workshops covering topics such as digital marketing, customer and community engagement and window dressing have been held, as well as one-to-one sessions between Good2Great experts and shop owners.
“We are thrilled with the positive response to our work in Stafford – we are seeing real results already,” said Sally Themans of Good2Great, which has experience of helping High Streets across the Midlands.
“As we hit 2025 we have two new High Street Boost programmes available to all town centre businesses, completely free of charge, to get the new year off with a bang.
“The workshop sessions and tailored one-to-one diagnostic sessions run from 5.30pm until 7.30pm at The Posthouse in Greengate Street, Stafford, on Thursday January 23 and Wednesday February 19 and will be followed up with tailored diagnostic sessions.”
Two of the businesses who have benefitted from the scheme are Studio Fresh Craft Hub in Market Street and The Stafford Music School in Mill Street.
School principal Laura Thatcher said: “I have learnt so much during the Good2Great sessions – from the importance of networking to how to manage social media and taking the best photos to improve and promote our business.
“Having goals at the end of each meeting has helped me to maintain the focus needed to make changes and it has been really useful to discuss areas I find challenging or feel unsure about. I have found the sessions insightful and enjoyable and now feel more confident about the steps we need to take to grow the business.”
Emma Hughes of Studio Fresh Craft Hub in Market Street has been trading for around a year and signed up as she said her new business needed some support.
“We didn’t know what to expect but can honestly say ‘wow’. The help we have received from our advisor has been outstanding. We have implemented so many changes to our business now to help it grow and succeed.
“We highly recommend this to anyone wanting to improve their business and get some great advice.”
Places for the new year are limited to 20 businesses per event and places can be booked here
The retail initiative is one part of a £500,000 programme being rolled out to help businesses in Stafford Borough, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
