GFirst LEP tackle the challenge of the High Street

The world we operate in is changing at a pace never before seen; margins are being squeezed and consumers are becoming ever more sophisticated in their spending decisions.

This is a sentinel moment to embrace this challenge by bringing together the industry’s insight, the relevant technology experts and disciplined thinking, with the use of the successful Retail Toolkit.

GFirst LEP was awarded Retail Pathfinder status in 2012, followed by the launch of the Retail Toolkit in March 2013, in conjunction with the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM). The toolkit is designed to help town teams, high streets and any organisation or group of people wanting to improve retail in their town, village or city to develop a clear strategy, which will in turn help and improve economic growth. 

David Owen, Chief Executive GFirst LEP, commented: “As a free tool, the Retail Toolkit is proving to be a great success and is really helping towns to move forward with their growth plans.  At GFirst LEP we are excited about the concept of the Toolkit, we want more towns and cities to start using it and now we have some great success stories to share.”

For a better insight into the work of the Toolkit GFirst LEP have produced a video highlighting individuals and towns that are using it right now, with some fantastic examples of how they have tailored the advice and ideas to benefit their high street. The video is a great place to start, as it gives a true picture and honest review of the Toolkit in action – you can see for yourself those that are using it and getting great results at www.gfirstlep.com/toolkit. 

Dr Diane Savory OBE DL, Chair, GFirst LEP commented:  “I have been involved with the Retail Pathfinder and Toolkit from the very beginning and to see theory become reality is extremely exciting.  The new video promotion compliments the Retail Toolkit very well and is a great place to start with trying to tackle the challenge of the high street.”

For more information on the Retail Toolkit please see this page