Coventry’s independent businesses are being urged to work together to help drive footfall and support the city centre economy amid challenging trading conditions.
Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) is encouraging people to support local traders and spend with businesses in the heart of Coventry.
The Independent Coventry campaign for this summer was launched at a networking event at the Belgrade Theatre, with there currently being more than 120 BID-levy paying independent businesses
in the city centre.
Business owners and stakeholders from across the city came together to discuss the challenges facing businesses and how collaboration can help support independent businesses.
It is the third year that Coventry BID has focused on supporting independent businesses, which continue to face difficult trading conditions, and it aims to profile pubs, restaurants, bars, leisure businesses and professional services.
There are estimated to be around 200 independent businesses in the city centre, with a further 40 businesses based a short distance away in Coventry’s Creative Quarter, anchored by Fargo Village.
New openings this year included Olive Tree, Baggie, Blush & Barrel, Kims Nails, Coventry Nails & Spa
and Dolci Desserts.
The launch event heard how independent businesses continue to play a vital role in Coventry’s economy by creating jobs, investing locally and bringing diversity to the city centre, while facing increasing pressures from rising costs and changing consumer habits.
Coventry BID will showcase independent businesses across its digital channels, encouraging people to shop, eat, drink and spend locally while highlighting the important contribution independent businesses make to Coventry city centre.
Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, said: “Independent businesses have a huge impact on our city centre. They invest in the local economy, create jobs and bring something different to Coventry through their own ideas, passion and personality.
“We have an incredible community of independent businesses and the city simply would not be the same without them.
“This is all about bringing businesses together to support one another, encouraging people to shop local and showing the strength of Coventry’s independent business community.”
Speakers at the launch included Emma Flately, Interim CEO of the Belgrade Theatre, David Hope from Coventry City Council’s Economic Strategy and Funding team, hospitality operator John Barrett, Managing Director of CV One Nightclubs, and Rajinder Bansal, Director of Bansal Estates.
John Barrett, who has operated hospitality businesses in Coventry for almost 20 years, said businesses needed to work together now more than ever.
He said: “One of the biggest strengths of being an independent business is that we can make decisions quickly, adapt and respond to what is happening around us.
“But it is not easy, particularly in hospitality, and the next year is likely to remain challenging.
“Networking, sharing ideas and supporting each other matters. The more people you meet, the more opportunities you create.”
Rajinder Bansal added: “Being an independent business means working twice as hard and twice as smart to earn your living.
“We are often competing against much larger organisations so customer service, professionalism and local knowledge are incredibly important.
“This campaign helps businesses to learn from one another, build new relationships and continue strengthening Coventry’s independent business community.”
Find out more about independent businesses in Coventry city centre at www.coventrycitycentre.co.uk.