Building Capability for the SME Owner-Managers in the Independent Retail Sector

What is the Retail Training Programme?
The Retail Training Programme is an innovative and exciting programme that is being run by Full Circle Management Solutions, Time Associates and our associates on behalf of Derry City Council.

The programme has been funded by the Council as a direct response to the independent retail sectors request for support.  It is a practical results focused programme tailored specifically for the independent retail sector.

You’ll have flexible access to specialist mentors on your own premises to help you analyse and improve all aspects of your day to day operations.

What Will the Retail Training Programme Do For You?
The programme will run from November 2009 to March 2010.  Please note, the programme will have minimal inputs prior to Christmas to ensure that it does not interfere with the busy Christmas period.  It combines 5 key elements, which are:

1. Skills development seminars. The programme will provide 5 evening seminars that have been designed to help you to tackle the practicalities of building and sustaining business.  These seminars are practical, focused and geared to the needs of busy owners.

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2. Management Skills Audit / Health Check. The programme will help owner-managers to assess the current positioning of their business in terms of existing operations.  You will be allocated a business mentor at the beginning of the programme who will carry out a detailed audit / health check on your business. In addition to this, a mystery shopper will carry out a visit at the outset of the programme providing an objective account of a typical customers experience at your outlet.

The programme will then seek to address the challenges / barriers that are specific to each business and to work towards clearly defined and achievable business objectives. 

3. Tailored business mentoring support. Following completion of the audit / health-check process, your mentor will then work with you to provide you with practical support as you begin to:

• Address the barriers to growth that are currently facing your business;
• Consider the options open to your business; and
• Make decisions that will shape how your business grows over the next few years.

During this process your mentor will work with you to map out a business improvement plan specific to your business. The objective here is to prioritise key developmental objectives and to then map out clearly how these objectives will be realised in terms of actions, costs, responsibilities and timeframes. 

4. Networking Event.  We will also hold a networking event that will be attended by local dignitaries and stakeholders.  Our event will highlight practical examples of collective marketing and the benefits it can bring.  We will also signpost participants to other sources of support for ongoing development, beyond the programme. 

5. 2nd Mystery Shop. At the end of the programme a second mystery shop will be completed.  This will provide the participants with a before and after picture and highlight areas for continuous improvement. 

Who Should Participate?
City Centre based independent retailers who are located within the designated commercial core of the city centre (*Designated commercial core as outlined in Derry Area Plan 2011 published by DOE Planning Service):

• Have the capacity to grow;
• Can dedicate the time required to participate effectively
• Are fully committed to growing their businesses in the short / medium term.

How Much Does it Cost?
The total cost of the programme per participant is £1,095. Derry City Council is investing heavily in this Programme to support participating businesses to maximise growth opportunities.  Derry City Council’s investment represents 91%, therefore, the cost to you is only £100 + VAT. This includes:

• 5 evening masterclasses – delivered by people with extensive practical experience.
• 1.75 consultancy days [equating to 14 hours in total] with an experienced business mentor who has a proven track record in the field of small business retail development.
• 2 mystery shopper visits.
• Support in the development of a business improvement plan tailored to your business.
• Support in implementing this business improvement plan.
• Participation in a networking event.

Interested in the Revive Retail Programme?

1. Request an application form - Contact Lara Goodall @ Full Circle Management Solutions on 028 9069 1027 or lara@fullcircle.eu.com
2. Complete this application form and return by 17.00 on Friday 20 November either by: 

E-mail: lara@fullcircle.eu.com

Fax: 028 9069 2945.

Post: Full Circle Management Solutions, 8 Linden House, Beechill Business Park, 96 Beechill Road, Belfast, BT8 7QN

We will assess your application and will be in contact in the near future.  If you wish to discuss the programme, please feel free to contact Lara Goodall on 028 9069 1027