Support for businesses to help kick start the High Street

25 February 2022

Workshops, webinars, masterclasses and bespoke advice are just a few highlights of the dedicated support available to local independent High Street and online businesses thanks to a new initiative to help kick start our High Streets led by North Northamptonshire Council.

NN Future Retail has been made possible by Government’s Welcome Back Fund and provides free packages of support which are available for up to 100 businesses in the area to help them continue to adapt, grow and thrive as they navigate through the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing High Street scene.

Available until March 2022 and on offer for retail, online and High Street businesses in North Northamptonshire are virtual and face to face events delivered in line with the latest COVID-19 advice and guidance which cover topics led by local experts in the field on finance, marketing, social media, strategy, managing people – to name a few! Sessions will provide information, signposting, referrals to funding available and dedicated one to one support led by business specialists tailored to the needs of the organisation.

There’s so much to get excited about on High Streets in North Northamptonshire, they are buzzing with independent retailers who play a huge part in our local communities.

The NN Future Retail programme comes at an ideal time following a complex couple of years for the High Street and I urge local businesses to find out more and take advantage of this free offer that can help them continue to evolve and prepare for the future, as well as to help give their customers confidence in using their services and ensure they are COVID-19 safe while shopping.Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, Councillor Helen Howell

This is a great opportunity for our network of local businesses. The value they hold in our communities is extremely evident, and across North Northamptonshire we have a variety of unique companies who are at the heart of our daytime, evening and night-time economy.

We have seen many of these businesses adapt and transform with great creativity particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic as their customer needs and behaviours have altered.  The launch of NN Future Retail will help them continue to build resilience and develop in these ever-changing times, as well as giving business owners and teams the chance to network, learn from each other and share skills.Councillor David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration

Delivered on behalf of the Council by local company Building Business with support from partners including Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, the University of Northampton and the Business and IP Centre Northamptonshire, the support provided through the NN Future Retail programme is free to access until March 2022 and is available to independent businesses in the North Northamptonshire area including retail, hospitality, personal care services and more.

Business can learn more about this exciting opportunity by emailing the team at [email protected] or by calling 01832 279444.