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UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 13 New Office Bearers for 2010/2011 The following office bearers were elected at the recent Annual General Meeting: Chairman – John Shannon, Inver Garden Centre Vice- Chairman – Mariann Casagrande, Caffé Spice Committee members – Linzi Conway, Allan Dorman, David Hunter, David Liddle, Mervyn McConkey, Mabel Richmond Charity Golf Day – Sunday 13 June The brilliant total of £1,700 was raised through the golf day and ballot and this has now been presented to Larne Adult Centre to support the work of this important local facility. Grand Summer Barbecue – Wednesday 28 July Details have already been circulated. This is being held in Caffé Spice, at Carnfunnock starting at 6.00 pm. Guests, colleagues and friends are welcome. Cost is £5 per head for burgers and hot dogs with an honesty bar on the night. Please let Pauline at the Town Development Office know if you will be attending so that we can get the catering organised. Contact: maculeyp@larne.gov.uk or 2826 3083 ICT Support Invest NI’s E-solutions Centre provides practical advice and support to enable businesses to adopt new technologies. This state of the art centre provides businesses with practical and independent support through hands-on demonstrations of ICT. For further information: http://www.investni.com/index/grow/strategic_development/business_information_services/e-solutions_centre-2.htm “I Love Larne Shopping” and “I Love Larne Food” These booklets have been produced to highlight the range of specialist and independent shops in Larne Town Centre. If you would like copies to distribute from your business, please contact the Town Development Office. www.maryportas.com For those of you who may have seen some of the television programmes with Mary Portas working with different retailers, her website is interesting. 10 Reasons to Shop Local You might wish to consider these reasons to shop local in your promotions and marketing: 1. Money stays longer in the local economy 2. It helps nurture the development of communities 3. It helps promote tourism 4. It helps prevent “Clone Towns” 5. Local businesses are good neighbours 6. It’s better for our planet 7. It helps preserve choice and diversity 8. It helps promote competition and business innovation 9. It promotes local democracy 10. You can get an enormous sense of well-being from shopping local 5 July 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 12 Forum – Charity Golf Day – Sunday 13 June Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a hole for the golf day; Michael Robinson would still appreciate any more offers of prizes for the ballot (2827 4466). Encourage all golfers to come along to Cairndhu Golf Club and support this event; contact the Pro-shop – 2858 3954 to place your name on the time-sheet. Encourage all non-golfers to come to the Clubhouse at 6.00 pm for music and entertainment, prize-giving and the prize draw ballot. For those of you who have tickets to sell, make sure that the stubs are returned for inclusion in the draw! Annual General Meeting – Wednesday 16 June Information has already been sent out about the AGM. It is being held in Caffé Spice starting at 6.00 pm so do come along for the annual review and contribute your views about what the Forum could be doing for local businesses. Larne Alive Bluegrass Concert – Friday 18 June This will be a great night out - concert starts 7.30pm with doors open from 7.00pm. Tickets: £12 Main Theatre / £10 Balcony or pay at the door. Tickets are available from Larne Tourist Information Centre and can be booked by contacting 028 2826 0088. Larne Alive Pirate Festival – Are You on Board? The festival opening parade starts at 2.00 pm on Saturday 19 June going along Pound Street, Victoria Road, Agnew Street and then Main Street and Point Street and back to Pound Street. There will be plenty happening at Broadway during the afternoon. On Saturday 26 June the festival continues with a special pirate circus in Broadway. Larne Business and Trade Directory Did you know that there is a directory available on-line via the Larne Borough Council website – www.larne.gov.uk ? This is a free entry for all businesses which can be updated or changed as you add further details to your business (eg. new website or e-mail address or new products or services). This gives you free marketing and promotion for your business so you can highlight your products and services to local customers as well as to a wider audience. This is an important way to raise your business profile. You may also be able to find a local supplier through the directory. To register your business in the directory, contact Ledcom at 028 2827 0742 or via www.larne.gov.uk/ business directory and “register your business” section. Window dressing/Visual merchandising Workshops Helping small businesses with the presentation of shop frontage display, using recycled materials, promoting the art of visual merchandising on a small budget, ultimately improving “high street” appearance; tuition includes the importance of window dressing, how to attract customers and improve shop image. Contact Isobelle Hodgson, Visobelle Displays – 01875 812933 or 07843 594190 or e-mail issypiano@btinternet.com Volunteer Now Ballymena and Larne Volunteer Centre has merged with the Volunteer Development Agency and eight other volunteer centres in NI and is now known as Volunteer Now. They are responsive to meeting local volunteering needs and can assist you in developing volunteering opportunities that will be attractive to potential volunteers as well as benefiting you. Find out more – www.volunteernow.co.uk or contact Irene Surgenor on 028 2826 0460 or e-mail irene.surgenor@volunteernow.co.uk Larne Sports Fundraiser – 3 July This is being organised by Make A Difference Worldwide and gives the opportunity to promote your business and help make a contribution. For details contact Edwin Tease on 07825 291437 or www.makeadifferenceworldwide.com events. 7 June 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 10 DSD Larne ReStore Project DSD has identified Larne Town Centre as an area to benefit from this programme in this financial year; it aims to provide assistance to revitalise neighbourhood commercial districts and small businesses in targeted areas of need across Northern Ireland. In order for it to progress, a local steering group is required to confirm the boundary of the area of benefit, to develop a costed action plan and then to drive the delivery of these actions. The action plan needs to be agreed for submission to DSD by the end of September 2010 and all the works need to be completed by the end of March 2011. The grant budget available is £150,000 and no match funding is required; claims for payment of invoices would be made direct to DSD so no financial administration systems would be required to be established locally. The funds must be spent on activities which are over and above the responsibility of statutory and public authorities. The Regional Development Office of DSD have suggested that part of Main Street from Cross Street to Broadway (which includes about 30 businesses and properties/sites) should be considered as the main area of benefit; this would fit with the draft Town Centre Masterplan and also ensure that the size of the area enables the funds available to make a noticeable impact. This location will also make an impact on adjacent areas. They have suggested that Larne Traders Forum (and the emerging Larne Town Centre Partnership) should play a lead role in facilitating the development of an agreed action plan and in managing its implementation. Possible elements which could be part of the action plan include: Improvements to shop fronts, gable walls - painting and new signage Temporary treatments for vacant shops and gap sites Branding to promote the shopping area Promotional activities and marketing materials Directional signage Features to enhance the shopping experience – street dressing, lighting, flower displays The elements to be included will be decided and agreed by the businesses themselves. Information Day on sale of tobacco products Arrangements are still to be confirmed; what days and times would be most suitable for retailers to attend a one hour session delivered by Larne BC Environmental Health officers? Master Classes for Independent Retailers These are being offered as part of the Larne Retail Revival Programme and are open to any trader located in the borough. Tuesday 20 April – “Why Retailers should be trading On-Line” Wednesday 28 April – “Dynamic Management for Retailers in Difficult Times” Classes take place at Willowbank Business Park from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm and cost £10 each; contact Lestas Consulting at phone: 7032 2900 Café Culture The Department for Social Development (DSD) is currently carrying out research on the level of existing and emerging pavement café culture in towns and cities across N Ireland. While pavements are the responsibility of the Department for Regional Development (Roads Service), DSD has been tasked with this work to look at possible future regulation. They have assessed the current level of “pavement use” and will be selecting a sample of locations for in-depth surveys. Promotion opportunities for the Forum Co Antrim Pipe Band Championships – Saturday 5 June – flyers promoting town centre Pirate Festival – Saturdays 19 (with parade) and 26 June - themed window displays, promotions Clover Day – Saturday 3 July - themed window displays, promotions Broadisland Gathering – Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September – goody bags for visitors, flyers promoting town centre 14 April 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 9 Larne “Retail Revival” Programme Last chance to apply – the date for submission of expressions of interest is Tuesday 23 March. Contact Michelle Lestas, Partner, Lestas Consulting: phone 028 7032 2900 or email: info@lestasconsulting.com Social Event – HOG ROAST NIGHT The Hog Roast Night is taking place on Saturday 22 May at East Antrim Boat Club, starting at 7.30 pm and finishing late. The Hog Roast will be served at 8.00 pm and musical entertainment will be provided by La Bido. Tickets are available from the Town Development Office; they cost £10 each and are a real bargain. This should be a great night so put this date in your diary and book your tickets now. Your views are sought on the following: Information Day for local retailers on sale of tobacco products to underage persons Larne BC Environmental Health is proposing to run some 1 hour sessions in May (probably week beginning 10th) for retailers who sell cigarettes; your views on where and what times such sessions should be run are sought as they are seeking to involve as many retailers as possible. If you have any suggestions, please contact the Town Development Office and we will pass these on. Draft Regeneration and Housing Bill The Department for Social Development is seeking comments on this draft bill which outlines the responsibilities which will be transferred to Councils from DSD under the Review of Public Administration. These include town and city regeneration including comprehensive development schemes, public realm and environmental improvement schemes as well as the Living Over the Shop scheme. The draft is available at www.dsdni.gov.uk/consultations and responses are required by 26 April 2010. Draft Toursim Strategy for NI The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has published a consultation document on the above through to the year 2020. The document is available at www.detini.gov.uk/consultations and responses are required by 12 May 2010. Next Forum meeting Date for your diary - Wednesday 14 April at 5.45 pm in Sir Thomas Dixon Building. 22 March 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 8 Larne “Retail Revival” Programme Lestas Consulting has been appointed to deliver this programme and are making contact with independent retailers throughout the Borough. Further information about the programme is attached. This is an exciting opportunity for owner managers to obtain one to one support to agree and implement a Retail Improvement Action Plan for your retail business equivalent to 2 days of consultancy. This will be delivered at a time and place to suit each participant; there will also be optional Master Classes on a number of topics. There are 10 places available, so complete and return your expression of interest as soon as possible. Support Organisations for those who are out of work Larne Development Forum has recently published a leaflet which outlines choices and support schemes for people who find themselves out of work. The leaflet is available in venues throughout the Borough and also on the Council website (Local Support Leaflet). As an employer, it is hoped that you will not need the information for your own staff; however, the leaflet is there if you need it or it may be of interest to family members in your staff households. Copy attached for download. Tradelinks programme This is designed to assist the micro-enterprise sector in developing their ability to undertake or expand their cross-border trade. This could be through e-commerce or eBay. Further details of the programme are available locally through Ledcom – 2826 9973 – geraldinesmyth@ledcomwbp.com “Larne’s Got Style Night” – Friday 23 April The award winning night returns in April. If you feel there might be an opportunity for your business to benefit from some level of participation in this stylish event, please contact the Town Development Office. Tickets will shortly be available for purchase from the Tourist Information Centre. Larne Alive in June and July Events on Saturday 19 and 26 June will be based around a “Pirate Festival” with maritime themes. It is hoped to promote maritime menus, pirate promotions, window displays, etc which will contribute to the whole town centre being part of the festival. Suggestions welcome!!! Saturday 3 July will be another Clover Day, celebrating connections with South Carolina and the USA. Next Forum meeting Date for your diary - Wednesday 14 April at 5.45 pm in Sir Thomas Dixon Building. 4 March 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 7 Support for Small Businesses and Retailers A number of initiatives and support programmes which may be of benefit to your business have been announced recently. These include the following: Larne “Retail Revival” Programme Larne BC through its Economic Development Forum is currently seeking consultants to manage and deliver this programme for up to 10 local independent retailers. The programme will provide specialist mentors which will work with each retailer on an individual basis by preparing a health check, carrying out a mystery shopping exercise and developing an improvement plan. Once the consultants have been appointed, they will be seeking to recruit participants. If you would be interested, please give your details to the Town Development Office and we will pass these to the consultants. It is hoped that the programme will be under way in March. Business in the Community – Connections programme Connections is a new initiative, funded by ESB Independent Energy, designed to bring together the owner-manager of a small to medium sized enterprise with in-house experts from large companies who will work with them to address specific development issues, such as marketing and sales, financial planning and procedures, business and strategic planning, environmental management, staff recruitment and management. For more information contact Heather Major, Business in the Community on 9046 0606 or e-mail: heather.major@bitcni.org.uk Small Business Rate Relief Scheme This is a new Northern Ireland Government initiative that will provide some business owners with rate relief. The amount of relief will be dependent on the NAV of your property: 1. Business properties with an NAV of £2,000 or less will receive a reduction of 50% relief 2. Those with an NAV of more than £2,000 but no more than £5,000 will receive 25% relief. There is no application procedure as Land and Property Services will apply it automatically to all businesses that qualify, in their April 2010 bill. It is intended that the scheme will have a life of 5 years and it will be reviewed before then to establish its effectiveness and value for money. For questions about your eligibility or how the scheme will operate, contact Land and Property Services on 9025 2111. Foundation Degree in Retailing This is a two year programme delivered on a part-time basis in the six NI Regional Colleges. Fees are supported by the Department for Employment and Learning. For more information contact, Nicola Reel on 3026 1116. Firmus Energy Firmus Energy requested to come to a Forum meeting to make a presentation. As there are now fewer meetings, the details of their promotion are as follows: www.savewithfirmus.co.uk or contact Colin Robinson, sales representative on 9442 7866 or 07500 836082 or crobinson@firmusenergy.co.uk Next Forum meeting Don’t forget, the first meeting of 2010 is on Wednesday 10 February at 5.45 pm in Sir Thomas Dixon Building. Agendas and papers have already been set out to you. Members Information If you want to circulate any information about your business to other members, please pass this to the Town Development Office for inclusion in the Update News. Remember that you may also promote your business through the Larne Traders Forum website. Larne Alive M Casagrande has stepped down as a member of the Larne Alive Committee, any member interested in joining would be very welcome - contact Mariann for further details. 3 February 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk UPDATE NEWS Issue No. 11 HOG ROAST NIGHT The Hog Roast Night is taking place on Saturday 22 May – have you bought or booked your tickets yet? Partners, friends, colleagues are all welcome to come along. Contact the Town Development Office as soon as possible to book your tickets. DSD Larne ReStore Project The Forum has agreed to form a local steering group for this project and will be talking to traders and businesses over the next few weeks to develop a costed action plan for submission to the Department for Social Development. The project will have a core focus on businesses on Main Street between Cross Street and Broadway but will also include provision for marketing, street dressing, signage and floral displays which will impact on the whole of Main Street. Traders Forum Charity Golf Day – Sponsors and Golfers required The Forum agreed to arrange a single annual event which will support local charities – this charity golf day is taking place on Sunday 13 June at Cairndhu Golf Club. Michael Robinson (2827 4466) is the co-ordinator for this event and is seeking sponsors for each hole - £50 – please think about who you could persuade to support this, sign them up and let Michael know. Prizes for a ballot on the day are also being sought. Please also let all your golfing colleagues know about this chance to play - £5 for golf club members; £15 for visitors (please contact the Pro-shop at Cairndhu to place your name on the timesheet). The more people that come and play, the more funds will be raised. There will be plenty of prizes, a ballot draw on the day and music in the Clubhouse from 6.00 pm. Doing your bit for the environment Stay competitive on the high street, increase sales, keep costs down………and save the planet. By controlling carbon emissions, not only can retailers manage their environmental impact, but they can also reduce costs, attract customers and enhance their reputation. The Carbon Neutral Company provides tips on how to reduce carbon emissions on the high street – www.carbonneutral.com Larne Alive Pirate Festival Watch out for promotional opportunities connected with the festival which runs from 19 until 26 June – treasure trail, window displays, promotions, menu offers. Acceptable Enterprises Larne (AEL) is a social firm based at Ledcom providing disadvantaged people with the support to access further education, training and employment opportunities. To sustain their work with vulnerable adults and young people, they operate as a business and provide services which can generate income. Their new colour photocopying service offers small businesses a very competitively priced service while supporting a worthwhile cause. Contact Graeme or Emma to discuss your requirements – Phone: 2827 4992 Larne Echo Details of advertising rates in this new free newspaper are attached. Research snippet! Despite 86% of the population using retail loyalty cards on a regular basis, 50% of shoppers do not think it is worthwhile collecting points, according to a new on-line survey of nearly 1,500 British adults. The report, from YouGov SixthSense, also found that 93% of consumers would continue to shop somewhere even if the retailer scrapped its loyalty scheme. Only 17% of respondents choose where to shop based on their participation in loyalty card schemes. 9 May 2010 Town Development Office 28263082 or 28263083 bellh@larne.gov.uk mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk