Croydon Council has partnered with SaveTheHighStreet.org to host a free conference later this month to help support high street businesses across the borough.
The Croydon’s High Streets Conference will take place at the Business Xchange Hub, 3-5 Lansdowne Road, on 26 March.
Independent cafes, shopkeepers, salons, restaurants, popups, boutiques and other high street businesses, as well as local community champions from across the borough are being invited to the event, which runs from 9am to 1pm.
The agenda includes insight into what works across the high street today and what support is available for high street businesses and communities across Croydon.
SaveTheHighStreet.org, which launched in 2016, is an industry-wide movement on a mission to support every high street business and community nationwide. Alongside their national High Street Advisory Board (made up of more than 200 independent businesses and more than 50 experts), as well as partners in both public and private sectors and local community champions nationwide; SaveTheHighStreet.org is running a series of programmes focused on making it easier to succeed on the high street.
There will also be two panels where independent businesses and community champions will share their top tips for local marketing, keeping customers loyal, keeping costs down, growing overall footfall to their high street and more.
There will also be information about the support available for businesses and communities across the borough, an opportunity for those attending to have their say, some useful networking and free breakfast/lunch.
You can register your place here. Spaces are limited.
“Our high street businesses are one of the reasons why our borough is so diverse.
“This free conference will offer vital support and advice, from those who are continuing to succeed in an ever-changing economic climate. This conference also aligns with our ambitions to set up business partnerships in our district centres.
“I would encourage our independent businesses to sign up as soon as they can so they can hear from and network with others in their sector, which I hope will help our wonderful high streets as vibrant as they can be.”
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs
Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “We are pleased to be working with Croydon Council to support independent businesses, local champions and other high street stakeholders across the borough.
“It is in everyone’s interest that our high streets are filled with successful independent businesses and community leaders.
“Please help spread the word about Croydon’s High Streets Conference on 26 March and I hope to see you there. It’s free to attend but places are limited.”
Barnes businesswoman Sharon Dale, owner of Sharon’s Stones, who will be speaking on the independent business panel, said: “Going to the SaveTheHighStreet.org conference last year was a real turning point for my business.
“Now I’m sitting on the other side sharing my success stories. I’m really looking forward to seeing business owners in Croydon on 26 March.”
