Opinions gathered to inform event in September

We met up with retailers in FireUp Rochdale to hear about the issues they face. The was a roundtable discussion with independent retailers, shopping centre managers, and a representative for the Rochdale Development Agency and others.

Concerns and challenges were discussed. What is needed and what would be good to have. These and more, with some solutions as well, will be discussed at our event in September.

It is of no surprise that our roundtable discussed the challenges that face town centre retailers throughout the region and beyond. They raised issues like anti-social behaviour and crime. A greater police presence would help. And the general decline in footfall meaning that action is needed to improve the town centre experience to bring people back.

Also discussed was the need for free parking in the town centre, as found at the out-of-town shopping centres. There was some feeling that the council could do more, such as with the parking. This would help to bring people in, as would events and festivals. The plastic duck race at Hebden Bridge was mentioned as the kind of thing that can easily be done. Increasing the promotion of local retailers on Rochdale Online was a suggestion, as was a general feeling that the more awareness about what was in the two shopping centres was needed.

Following the roundtable some of the participants gave some feedback on what was discussed.

Martin Ballard

“I think that the meeting itself was very useful. It's good to get people around the table and talking about how to improve retailing and the offer that the town centre has. The key thing is then putting it into action and making it happen.  I think if we get the right people around the table, I think we can drive it forward.”

Greg Couzens

“I think it's incredibly useful that it's going to be giving a voice to the smaller independents which is sadly lacking at the minute. The Bid is doing a marvellous job, but the independents have not been heard. I think what we've been hearing so far is that there are simple things that we can implement that will make a huge difference.”

Rachel Bryne

“It's really informative and it's good to have local people around the table thinking on the same sheet.”

Here at GM Business Growth Hub we can provide support for business issues, such as website development, new market entry and staffing.

Our event is September will be your opportunity to meet with other retailers and hear from experts. There will be discussions about how to address issues facing retailers, such as those raised at the roundtable, and hopefully some solutions.

The participants at the roundtable were:

Greg Couzens, founder and co-owner, COUZENS Hair Salon - Home (couzens-hair.co.uk)

Elaine Simmons – EJS Marketing

Martin Ballard – Rochdale Exchange Centre Manager Rochdale Exchange – Rochdale Exchange

Rachel Bryne, Rochdale Riverside, Rochdale Riverside - Retail & Leisure Destination

Sajad and Daniel Raza, owners, Octave Gothic, Octave Gothic