Scheme launched to ensure a thriving high street is at the heart of local pandemic recovery

Shops and other traders across Three Rivers district can now apply for new specialist support from leading experts to boost the local pandemic recovery.

Three Rivers District Council has teamed up with leading high street retail experts SaveTheHighStreet.org to offer a series of initiatives to help businesses get more customers through their doors.

The programme includes an invitation for local people and organisations who are passionate about their high streets to help as local ‘high street champions’ to engage and identify what support is needed for their local area.

There will also be a series of high street drop-in sessions for local businesses offering free advice and support as well as free health checks to provide strategies tailored for independent traders.

The free support will provide recommended action plans to help achieve individual business goals, step by step guides and one-to-one support from expert advisors and more. The provision will be personalised for each business across a number of different themes such as increasing footfall, growing online, collaborating locally, making the most of seasonal opportunities and more.

The district council first partnered with SaveTheHighStreet.org in autumn 2021 to launch a successful pilot with 20 traders – and now is expanding its support to local high streets across the district throughout 2022.

All local independent businesses with a presence on the high street in a market or shopping centre, as well as anyone who cares about the success of their local high streets, are now encouraged to find out and more and register at:  SaveTheHighStreet.org/ThreeRivers

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “Thriving high streets are at the very heart of our economic recovery – no one wants to see businesses struggling, or even closing their doors completely. We want our shopping centres to be full of thriving local traders who are providing residents and visitors with diverse products and services. That is why I am delighted that we are continuing and expanding our work with Save The High Street. I urge all local retailers who would like any type of support to take advantage of this unique opportunity to come along to one of the drop-in session or get in touch today.”

Alex Schlagman, a Founding Partner of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “Successful high street benefit everyone. We’re here to help and are excited by the impact we can have if we join together quickly. Whether you want to take your high street business to the next level, share your views about what needs to change on your high street or get support with anything you think will benefit high streets in the district, we want to hear from you.”

Linda Anderson, owner of The Kitchen Croxley - a local business which benefited from the pilot in 2021 - said: “The Kitchen Croxley has gone from strength to strength and our plan together is still evolving all the time. It’s great to hear this is now launching across the district. I’m so excited by what is coming for my business and for Croxley Green.”

You can now find out more and register for free: https://savethehighstreet.org/threerivers