Andrea set out on Saturday 5th December to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Morley and Outwood. She visited a variety of businesses throughout the day, covering a whole range of different sectors from school uniforms to fruit and veg.
Out and about on Morley High Street, Andrea visited businesses including Morley Mobility, who have recently moved out of the market into a three-floor building so they can offer a wider range of products, and the Uniform Centre, who are thriving despite competition from large local supermarkets.
On a visit to Martin’s Jewellery Box, Andrea was particularly impressed by the strong local reputation the shop had built despite lacking online marketing. After hearing about their experiences, Andrea has vowed to press ahead with plans to organise workshops for local businesses to help them advertise on line.
This follows on from the recently published “Digital High Street 2020 Report” prepared by the Great British High Street which was discussed at a recent meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on High Streets and Town Centres, which is focusing on how public policy can support the growth of online marketing for high street retailers.
Andrea has also announced that she will be setting up a new ‘Retailer Forum’ in January which will run small workshops to support local businesses to come together and share skills and good practice together. This follows the re-launch of the Morley and Outwood Business Association in November.
Speaking after her visits Andrea said:
“I’m so impressed with the enthusiasm and dynamism on our high street. It was great to see so many people shopping and supporting independent businesses.
“I’m really excited to bring together local retailers in my new Retailer Forum to discuss together how we can improve our high street. Experience and perseverance go a long way to securing the longevity of any business and it is crucial that we support them.”
