Business group draws up plan to help boost trade (From York Press)

Business group draws up plan to help boost trade in Pickering

11:06am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Karen Darley

Pickering Business Group members, from left, Caroline Colley, Coun William Oxley, Kath Wynn and Justine Street

SUNDAY and late night opening as well as discount and loyalty schemes are some of the ideas being considered by business owners in Pickering to boost the town’s economy.

More than a dozen businesses took part in a meeting held to follow up on last year’s Exclusively Pickering initiative, focusing on how they could work together to benefit the town. The meeting was arranged as part of the town council’s Pride in Pickering campaign with the aim of establishing a co-ordinated business group.

Town councillors involved have committed to 12 months’ input to help and support the process.

The meeting agreed that the aim should be to promote Pickering with ideas including more Sunday opening on targeted dates, late night openings to tie in with events, more festivals and events, use of street performance and activities, a simple awareness raising programme with flyers and directories and loyalty and discount schemes.

Those present agreed that a formal association would need to be formed but that this would only happen after evidence of success.

Suggestions for a simple business listing and map to be distributed to potential visitors will also be investigated and fed back to the next meeting. A sub group will be formed to lead a marketing programme for all the town’s businesses and attractions. It was also agreed that a first step on either late night or Sunday opening would be decided at the next meeting.

The group also discussed the closure of the Market Place on Mondays and will look at how they can change a situation with which many of them are unhappy.

Town mayor William Oxley said: “The mood was very positive with some really good and easily implemented suggestions.

“We are all suffering the impact of the economic climate and people realised the power of a joint supportive approach.

“Pickering is a great market town with fantastic independent shops and cafés, some wonderful heritage attractions and an outstanding accommodation stock – we need to make sure the world knows this.”

Coun Oxley said the group was encouraging all local businesses to get involved.

A further meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 17, at 6pm, in Bar 4 and every business will try to bring at least one other with them.

Micro Business experts and champions Enterprise Rockers will be attending to support the initiative and share some experiences and insights.