Rochdale Retail Ready People

Young people in Rochdale are being offered the opportunity to breathe new life into the town centre, as an innovative volunteering programme heads to the town.

Retail Ready People (RRP), which is run by Retail Trust and youth volunteering charity vInspired, challenges young people to turn disused spaces into pop-up shops for their communities. The scheme is designed to give young people who would like to or who are already working in retail an opportunity to build new skills in business and retail, whilst doing something unique, fun and positive at the same time.

Volunteers needn’t have any previous retail or business experience, but should be keen to learn some new things and motivated to make a positive difference to their community.  They will need to to give 14 hours a week, over 14 weeks, and will receive training and support, along with opportunities to try out new roles in retail and use their creativity. The programme will welcome a range of young people with different backgrounds and motivations.  Ellen, 24 from Enfield, London, took part in the programme in 2012 and would recommend the programme to other young people, “I was motivated to take part for my Son. To show him I can be a strong single mum and give him a good future”

Already, Retail Ready People volunteers are reaping the benefits of their involvement, with two volunteers already securing job interviews post-programme.

Previous shops have included a screen printing T-shirt shop in Brighton, and a gift store selling local crafts in Enfield, London.  The idea behind the pop-up shops is to create a buzz and excitement in the local area, and offer something new to local residents.

Young people who would like to apply to be part of the project, which will run from March to June 2013, should visit www.vInspired.com/retailreadypeople

Join us at our next meeting...

ROCHDALE BOROUGH HIGH STREET FOUNDATION

Wednesday 12 December, 5.45pm - 7.30pm

Reception Room, Rochdale Town Hall

A G E N D A

5.45pm	Networking Refreshments & mince pies served from 5.45pm Meeting to commence 6.15pm		30mins
6.15pm	Welcome	Paul Clarke	5mins
6.20pm	Rochdale Town Centre East Update Discussion / Q&A	Pam Smith	10mins
6.30pm	Night Time Economy Strategy Discussion / Q&A	Debbie O’Brien Bev Wilkinson	30mins
7.00pm	Design Competition Discussion / Q&A	Peter Rowlinson	10mins
7.10pm	Open Forum	All	20mins
7.30pm	Time & Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 30 January, 5.45pm – 7.30pm,

Rochdale Christmas Markets - 19, 20, 21, 22 December, Yorkshire Street

Littleborough Festive Lights Switch On - 24 November

Littleborough Festive Lights Switch On took place on Saturday 24 November from 4pm in Littleborough Square. Festivities included:

- Farmers Market & Craft Fair
- Children's rides
- Charity stalls
- Circus Jim
- Littleborough brass band
- Thieving Magpie Morris Dancers with their special fire dance
- Visit from Santa arriving by Fire Engine

Heywood Christmas Festival - Saturday 17 November

Middleton Christmas Festival - 17 & 18 November

The Middleton Christmas Festival was a fantastic two day event on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 November which included:

- Live performances from The Dakotas
- Youth performances from Middleton Pop Stars Academy & Langley Theatre Workshop
- Christmas Lights Switch On
- Specacular Fireworks Display
- Reindeer Parade
- Pop Up 3D Cinema in Middleton Shopping Centre showing Rocket the Reindeer in the run up to Christmas
 

Rochdale Town Centre Reindeer Parade - Sunday 02 December

Around 3,000 people came down to Rochdale town centre on Sunday 02 December and enjoyed the dazzling reindeer parade. Local school children took part in the parade wearing their reindeer masks they had made in school and there was lots of fun and entertainment on The Butts afterwards!

Town centre transformation takes major step forward



Artist impression of Baillie Street



The next phase in the transformation of Rochdale town centre’s shopping and leisure offer is underway following Rochdale Borough Council’s decision to approve the terms of a development agreement with Genr8.

Genr8/Kajima are already the council’s nominated development partner and the signing of the agreement will enable the developer to actively progress plans for a comprehensive development in the town centre.

The plans are for around 300,000 square feet of mixed shopping and leisure uses. The development scheme extends the existing centre down to meet the new Metrolink and bus interchange, creating a pedestrian-friendly gateway into the town centre from the river. A traffic-free Baillie Street would form a key part of the proposed scheme and a new entrance into the Wheatsheaf Centre from Baillie Street would replace the overhead walkways.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Customer Services, said: “Anyone who has been to the town centre recently can’t fail to notice how much is already happening, but this is a really important milestone on the way to improving it further. We will inevitably face many challenges along the way but we are determined to do everything we can to make Rochdale a successful and vibrant town centre.”

Following the opening of Number One Riverside, containing the new library, customer access centre and council offices early next year and the completion of the new bus interchange in autumn 2013, attention will focus on the demolition of the Municipal Offices, Telegraph House, the existing bus station and multi-storey car park late next year, creating what will be a prime redevelopment site.

Meanwhile Genr8 and their funding partner Kajima will be progressing their discussions with prospective retail and leisure occupiers and working towards the submission of the necessary planning applications.

Mike Smith, Genr8’s Development Director, said: “We are really pleased to be in a position to formalise our already excellent working relationship with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency. The council has made great progress in regenerating Rochdale town centre and we look forward to delivering a development that will help to transform the overall retail offer.”

John Hudson, Chief Executive of RDA, added: “The £250 million transformation of the town centre is well underway. Few other town centres in the region are witnessing such levels of physical change and new investment. We need to continue to create the conditions for promoting a new development scheme in the heart of the town centre that helps transform our retail and family leisure offer. It is a development that will make the town centre a popular and distinctive destination and a place where people want to shop and spend their leisure time.”

Greg Couzens, Vice-Chairman of the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation, said: “This is fantastic news and shows that the council is continuing to invest in the borough’s future. It’s so easy to forget the really positive changes that have been taking place in the borough and in Rochdale town centre in recent years. There is the wonderful new Sixth Form College and refurbished Hopwood Hall College next door, the new Leisure Centre and the recently refurbished Pioneers Museum to name just a few.

“Let’s start celebrating what we have already achieved by working together and be positive about what we can continue to achieve in the future.”

 

It is expected that the development agreement will be formally signed by the Council and Genr8/Kajima before the end of December.

Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Parade

High Street Foundation Meeting - Wednesday 07 November

Message from the Chair

Thank you for those of you who attended this weeks meeting of the High Street Foundation. 

I am sure you will all agree the museum talk and tour was extremely enjoyable and the presentations delivered were all excellent. It is unfortunate that we didn’t have enough time for a more full and open debate at the end of the meeting which meant many businesses didn’t get a chance to speak.

The next meeting of the High Street Foundation will be held on Wednesday 12 December, 5.45pm – 7.30pm in the Reception Room, Rochdale Town Hall. In order to ensure that everybody’s voices are heard, the Agenda will be open for a full debate. If there are any specific Items anybody would like to include, please do let me know.

I hope that your enthusiasm and commitment to the High Street Foundation continues and that we can continue to work co-operatively in the future to improve our high streets and town centres within Rochdale Borough.

Regards,

Paul Clark

High Street Foundation Chair

Co-optastic Autumn Fair

Celebrating Rochdale - World Capital of Cooperatives

Friday 02 & Saturday 03 November

Rochdale Town Centre

Pop Up For Business

Open Your Own #PopUp in Rochdale Borough

12noon, Thursday 25 October, First Floor, Unit 23 (next to New Look) @ The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, Rochdale

Come and see a variety of Pop-Up Shops within the previuosly empty unit to give you an insight into what can be achieved with the launch of the Rochdale Borough Pop Up Support Package!

Dan Thompson - Empty Shops Network Founder will also be giving an exclusive national book signing of his new book 'Pop Up Business for Dummies'.

Rochdale Town Centre Independent Plaque Ceremony

Thirteen long standing independent retailers in Rochdale town centre have been awarded a commemorative plaque and invited for afternoon tea by the Major and Mayoress of Rochdale.

The event, organised by the Rochdale Town Centre Management Company identified retail businesses that had been trading for over 25 years to celebrate their contribution to the town in the Jubilee year of 2012 and in honour of Rochdale being declared the World Capital of Co-operatives by the United Nations, as part of the International Year of Co-operatives.

Debbie O’Brien, Rochdale Town Centre Manager said:

“We wanted to do something to mark this special year of 2012 and celebrate the fact we have these fantastic independent businesses in Rochdale town centre and ensure the legacy of these businesses continues.  We’ve just looked at independent retailers at the moment, but before the end of the year we also want to replicate the event with other business sectors and market traders.”

The thirteen businesses identified include Wilds of Rochdale – the longest standing independent retailer in the town, trading since 1902 selling beds, suites and fitted carpets, Seeley’s Bathrooms on St Mary’s Gate trading since 1935, and family owned furniture store Lovicks located on Yorkshire Street, established in 1919.

The battle for longest standing independent retailer was closely contended with Butterworth Brothers – family jewellers located on Drake Street - who started trading around 6 months after Wilds of Rochdale, in 1903.

The nine other businesses recognised include Denis Hope, Sandifords, The Accordian Shop, Butterworth Sports, Chris Paulson Cycles, Gregory Couzens, Chantilly, Jim McNicholas Carpet Bargains and Pennine Photographic.

Ian Sandiford, owner of Sandifords Rochdale said: “The fact that over half of these long standing businesses are located on Drake Street shows just how important Drake Street is and the role that it has in the future of the town. Sadly though when we first opened in 1969, there were 50 other businesses on the street that have now gone today.”

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale hosted the event and awarded the plaques, celebrating afterwards with High Tea in the Mayors Parlour in Rochdale Town Hall.

Jim Taylor, Chief Executive of Rochdale Council said:

“ The contribution these businesses have all played to Rochdale has been significant over the years and should be celebrated. The town simply would not be the same without them”.

Latest News

The next meeting of the High Street Foundation will be held on Wednesday 07 November, 5.45pm – 7.30pm at the new Co-op Museum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 0NU. (Please note, the venue for this meeting has been changed – it was previously due to be held at the Middleton Arena).

Co-Op Museum Tour

If anybody would like to attend a complimentary 15mintue tour of the new Museum, please arrive at 5.45pm promptly on the 7^th November.

Barclays Bank Lending Clinic – Wednesday 24 October, 5.15pm – 7.00pm, Barclays Bank Rochdale

Martin Hirst of Barclays Bank Rochdale has asked me to promote the above clinic to all members of the High Street Foundation. The Lending Clinic will cover areas such as:

·       Why banks are lending money

·       What considerations banks take into account

·       Provide an opportunity for clients to learn and understand the lending process

To register for this free clinic please telephone: 0845 124 6502

Hope to see you all next month.

Next High Street Foundation Meeting

Tuesday 02 October, 5.45pm - 7.30pm, Hopwood Hall College, Middleton

The next meeting of the High Street Foundation will be held on Tuesday 02 October, 5.45pm – 7.30pm at the Henry West Conference Building, Hopwood Hall College, Middleton Campus. Car parking is available at the venue and we are delighted that our Chief Executive, Jim Taylor will once again be in attendance.

Resignation of Chair

Unfortunately Paul Turner Mitchell has taken the decision to stand down as Chair of the Foundation. We would like to thank Paul for all of his contributions and wish him all the very best for the future.

Rochdale 2012 Business Awards

There is still time to enter this year’s Rochdale Business Awards. There are 9 categories this year including Business of the Year, Business Man / Woman of the Year and Business Start Up. The closing date for entries is next Friday 28 September and the Awards Ceremony will be held in Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 02 November. To enter please visit the website: www.rochdalebusinessawards.co.uk

Business Training Courses

Please find attached details of our current Business Training Courses. We have been running a Retail Training Programme during September which has received excellent feedback and we will be delivering a Service Industries programme starting in October. Courses are free of charge to members of the High Street Foundation and perfect for your staff training needs. Details of all of our training courses are also on our website: www.rochdale.gov.uk/businesscourses

High Street Foundation Blog

Don’t forget to check out our Blog and feel free to add your comments. Please do let me know if you have any posts you would like me to add to the site.

www.highstreetfoundation.blogspot.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you once again on 02 October. I would appreciate if you could confirm your attendance with me.

A G E N D A

5.45pm	Networking Tea & coffee served from 5.45pm Meeting to commence 6.15pm		30mins
6.15pm	Resignations & Appointments Presentation	Paul Clark (Vice Chair)	5mins
6.20pm	Minutes of the Previous Meeting & Matters Arising	Paul Clark	5mins
6.25pm	Progress Update Presentation	Pam Smith	10mins
6.35pm	Rochdale Council Procurement Overview Presentation and Q&A	TBC	10mins
6.45pm	Night Time Economy Debate Round the table discussions	All	30mins
7.15pm	Open Forum	All	15mins
7.30pm	Time & Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 07 November, 5.45pm – 7.30pm, Middleton Arena

Rochdale Rochdale Rochdale Trade Fair

Wednesday 26 September, 10am - 4pm, The Great Hall Rochdale Town Hall

All members of the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation are invited to attend the above Trade Fair next week at Rochdale Town  Hall.

Over 25 local businesses will be exhibiting at the event and it is a great opportunity to network and make some new contacts!

We will be taking a stand to promote the work of the High Street Foundation so hope to see some of you there!

www.rochdalerochdalerochdale.co.uk

Free Business Training Courses

Rochdale

Retail Training Programme

A brand new FREE training programme for the Retail Sector

 

Three sets of training courses each lasting two hours of highly motivational, inspirational, energising and interactive sessions.

This program is designed to make sure that your selling and standards both in care and service, giving you practical hints, tips and knows how, in delivering a service that differentiates your business from the competition.

What makes great customer service, getting the right tone, instilling and sustain a great selling and service culture.    

 

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Tuesday 11 September, 6pm – 8pm, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale, OL16 2UP

Course Synopsis

Ø      Why good customer care and service are essential

Ø Experience of customer service and selling skills 

SALES

Tuesday 18 September, 6pm – 8pm, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale, OL16 2UP
Course Synopsis

Ø      Identify, anticipate and satisfy customer needs

Ø      Successful sales in retail

Ø Get focused

 

MERCHANDISING

Tuesday 25 September, 6pm – 8pm, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale, OL16 2UP

Course Synopsis

Ø      The visual experience

Ø      A crowded market

Ø      The golden rules for outside and inside, and window display

Rochdale Professional & Service Sector
Training Programme

A brand new FREE training programme for the professional & service sector industries

Two sets of training courses each lasting two hours of highly motivational, inspirational, energising and interactive sessions.

In these challenging times how palatable are your products and services?

Are you really stirring your customer’s appetite to buy more from you?

TURNING CUSTOMERS INTO ADVOCATES - CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE

Wednesday 10 October, 6pm – 8pm, Rochdale Town Centre Management Company Offices, 17a Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JA

Course Synopsis

Ø    Cultivating relationships – We often scrutinise customers behaviour – What about yours? 

Ø    Recognising & acknowledging your business responds to urgent customer needs -  how?

Ø    Relationship Building

Ø    Embracing the culture of excellent & world class customer service

Ø    Raising the bar, good performances becoming excellent, world class 

Ø    Customer expectations, customer experience, customer satisfaction,

          customer care, customer loyalty and fully understanding your customer

GENERATING GREATER REVENUE – GREATER PROFITABILITY

Wednesday 17 October, 6pm – 8pm, Rochdale Town Centre Management Company Offices, 17a Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JA

Course synopsis

Ø    Focus on your strategy & objectives

Ø    Marketing with limited budgets

Ø    Very effective networking- Improve your results

Ø    How well do you really know your customers

Ø    Maximising your customer database cost effectively – Increase profitability

Ø    What is your ultimate objective?  Making your customers have your business as their life time supplier choice

To book any of the courses please email: business@rochdale.gov.uk or Tel: 01706 926700