A GROUP of independent retailers are teaming up to help homeowners prepare for spring makeovers.

York Lifestyle 2013, which will be held on February 2 and 3 at Dean’s Garden Centre in Stockton Lane, brings together 14 independent businesses, including Fabric Gallery & Interiors, Herbert Todd & Son, Focus Fireplaces, Dean’s Garden Centre, Quickslide Windows Direct and Astek Landscapes.

The event, supported by The Press, will provide one-to-one expert advice for homeowners and will also see the launch of new collections, designs and products for 2013.

Steve Whitt, owner of Fabric Gallery & Interiors in Dunnington, who is part of the team planning the event, said the free exhibition would support local charities and offer big prizes, as well as providing a boost for independent retailers.

The group of businesses were brought together in a forum organised by The Press, to share experiences and best practice in marketing. The collaboration then evolved with the businesses pooling resources to put on the grand exhibition.

Mr Whitt said: “Independent retailers are able to punch above their individual weights by working together. We’re bringing a group of people together who all have different experiences and people are learning from each other. And by pooling resources, we realised we could put on quite a sizeable show together, something which normally would be considered outside our own individual budgets. It suddenly becomes hugely manageable.”

He said the collaboration was enabling them to put together impressive prizes for attendees and to market the event widely.

Register online at yorklifestyle.co.uk for updates as more exhibitors and prizes are confirmed.