High Street support programme rolled out
More businesses are set to benefit from a programme aimed at revitalising Ashfield’s High Streets.
The move comes after a pilot project in Hucknall last year connected five businesses with High Street experts, who offered guidance and tailored support to improve trade.
One of them – Guilt Free Pleasures bakery – saw an upturn in sales and a growing customer base.
Owner Lauren Watson said:
“I’d highly recommend it to any local business. The results have been fantastic and I’m really pleased I took part.”
Now, the Ashfield High Street and Market Support Programme is being rolled out across the District thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Ashfield District Council partners with SaveTheHighStreet.org – a collective of business and High Street experts. They will team up with local businesses over an eight-week period to help boost footfall, increase trade, and reinvigorate the District’s High Streets.
The programme will provide business owners with access to an innovative digital all-in-one support platform, designed to guide businesses through key growth strategies, with practical tools and resources to help businesses improve their operations, marketing, and customer engagement.
In addition, SaveTheHighStreet.org experts will conduct in-depth consultations with each participating business to identify specific areas where support can make the greatest impact.
The programme will also feature an online event where businesses can learn from success stories and gain insights from retail leaders across the UK.
SaveTheHighStreet.org representatives will be visiting Ashfield’s markets and high streets in the coming weeks to engage with local businesses, ensuring everyone who could benefit from the support has the chance to register, and businesses can email Ashfield@savethehighstreet.org to request more information.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, said:
“We’re thrilled to be able to roll out this scheme to the wider business community across Ashfield. The Hucknall pilot demonstrated how valuable expert help can be to traders who continue to face very challenging times, especially on the High Street.
“Yet again, this demonstrates our commitment to play an active part in helping local businesses. We want to see them thrive and succeed, as that brings real economic benefits to Ashfield.”
Julie Holden, Community Director at SaveTheHighStreet.org, added:
“We are thrilled to continue our work with Ashfield District Council, building on the success of the Hucknall pilot. Our powerful digital tool helps businesses unlock their full potential and develop strategies to drive footfall and increase trade. We’ve seen great results in other areas, and we’re excited to see similar success in Ashfield’s High Streets.”
Businesses in Ashfield interested in participating or learning more about the programme can contact the SaveTheHighStreet.org team at Ashfield@SaveTheHighStreet.org.
For more information on Ashfield District Council’s business support services, visit: www.ashfield.gov.uk/business-licensing/business-support.
