TALKS & WORKSHOPS FOR BIDS AND TRADERS’ ASSOCIATIONS
The way we shop has changed. We’ve been rewired, and retail has entered a whole new era.
Independent businesses can no longer rely on opening the door and waiting for customers to walk through it. Today’s shopkeepers need to find different ways to be noticed, start conversations, create connections and give people plenty of reasons to visit, return and tell someone else.
My talks and workshops are built around three things I believe every high street needs more of:
COMMUNITY. COLLABORATION. CONNECTION.
When independent businesses work together, support one another and become an active part of their local community, the positive ripples can be felt everywhere.
Individual businesses become more visible. Customers feel more connected to the places where they live. High streets gain energy, personality and a much stronger reason for people to visit.
It is not about one big idea or expecting shopkeepers to take on endless extra work. It is about finding realistic ways to connect with an audience at different points, rather than only communicating with them once they step inside the shop.
HELPING SHOPKEEPERS THINK AND ACT DIFFERENTLY
I bring energy, fresh thinking, years of hands-on retail experience and a big bag of retail tricks.
My sessions help shopkeepers look at their businesses through fresh eyes and understand what being a Modern Shopkeeper really means.
We can explore the bigger ideas, including community, collaboration, events, customer experiences and retail theatre. We can also look at the details that are incredibly easy to overlook.
What does the outside of the shop say?
Would the window make someone stop?
Is it obvious what the business offers?
How does the shop feel when someone walks in?
Is there energy, personality and something worth coming back for?
Sometimes the smallest changes can have an enormous impact on whether someone notices a business, steps inside and wants to return.
TALK AND WORKSHOP THEMES
Every session can be shaped around the businesses taking part and the needs of the town or organisation.
I’m happy to travel to work with BIDs and traders’ associations in other areas. Please see my Travel Policy for further details
TURNING CUSTOMERS INTO A COMMUNITY
How can businesses build relationships that go far beyond a single transaction?
This session explores how shopkeepers can connect with people in different ways, both inside and outside the shop. We look at local relationships, collaborations, events, newsletters, social media, customer communication and the many opportunities to become a more visible and valued part of the community.
WHAT MAKES A MODERN SHOPKEEPER?
Being a Modern Shopkeeper is about understanding how people shop now and being willing to evolve with them.
We explore the ideas, habits and opportunities that can help an independent business stay relevant, build loyalty and offer something that online shopping cannot. This includes connection, community, customer experience, communication and giving people compelling reasons to choose your shop.
FRESH EYES, FRESH ENERGY
When you are inside your business every day, it is very difficult to see what your customers see.
This session encourages shopkeepers to look again at their shopfront, windows, entrance, displays, customer journey, till point, team, communication and overall atmosphere. It is ideal for businesses that are feeling a little stuck, stale or unsure what needs to change.
CREATING ENERGY, EXPERIENCES AND RETAIL THEATRE
A brilliant shop should offer more than shelves of products.
We explore achievable ways to create energy and memorable moments through demonstrations, tastings, events, storytelling, displays, team interaction and in-store experiences. Retail theatre does not have to be expensive or complicated. It simply needs to give people something they cannot get by scrolling on a screen.
BETTER TOGETHER
Created for high streets and groups of independent businesses, this session explores the power of collaboration.
We look at how businesses can cross-promote, share audiences, create joint experiences and work with schools, charities, community groups and other local organisations. When businesses stop operating as individual islands, the whole area becomes stronger.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORMAT
ENERGETIC TALK
A lively, idea-packed session designed to spark fresh thinking and help shopkeepers see new possibilities for their businesses.
45 to 60 minutes, including questions
From £500
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP
A hands-on session with time to explore the ideas, discuss what they could look like in different businesses and identify practical changes to put into action.
90 minutes
From £750
DEEPER-DIVE WORKSHOP
A longer session with more time for discussion, exercises and individual reflection. Each participant leaves with clear ideas and realistic actions for their own business.
Two hours
From £900
BESPOKE PROGRAMMES
I can also create a series of connected talks or workshops around the needs of your businesses, giving participants time to try ideas, make changes and build momentum between sessions.
Priced individually
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Every booking includes:
An initial planning conversation
A session shaped around your town, organisation and businesses
Practical examples and ideas
Time for questions and discussion
A simple takeaway resource where appropriate
LET’S GET THINGS MOVING
If your businesses need fresh ideas, stronger connections and a big injection of Modern Shopkeeper energy, let’s talk about what would work best for them.