Pictured above: Simon Brailsford
The demise of the local high street has seen independent
retailers such as bakers, grocers and even boutique clothes
shops losing out to supermarkets. Recent figures revealed 14%
of shops in Birmingham were empty. But now a Midlands
businessman is embarking on a one-man crusade to save our
towns.
Simon Brailsford came up with the idea to help both independent
and chain stores a year ago, in the height of the recession.
Since then he's been working on a scheme to see shops on our
local high streets working together to bring custom back from
out-of-town retail parks and supermarkets, an idea that will
benefit both customers and shops.
"It's an idea I can't put to bed." Explains Simon, "There is a
way that we can save the local economies from being absorbed
by Internet shopping and supermarket chains. We need the
locality of a high street and the community feeling that
creates."
Simon's idea is straightforward - by getting together a
'council' of local shop owners they are able to work together
to promote the high street as a whole, rather than just their
own businesses. There will be a nominated chairperson
responsible for coordinating activities to encourage more
trade and shopkeepers will work together as a community to
pull together resources and ideas.
The scheme aims to attract customers back through a variety
of different organised events, as well as offering discounted
parking and providing printable, online vouchers for
participating shops.
Simon wants shoppers to see a trip to the high street as
an experience, not just a necessity, "Customer service is
paramount today more than ever and this is where the
independent retailers can win over the big boys".
Simon knows it is not going to be an easy task, but he believes
if something is not done the future is bleak: "Without saving
our high streets there will be no room for entrepreneurs to
start independent outlets".
"I am going to start the scheme in the Midlands and hopefully
the rewards will soon be evident, I intend to see Save Our
Towns schemes in operation across the United Kingdom." Simon
says.