THE Bridgwater Retail Initiative is an organisation set up to help the town thrive. Here, Roger Smith, the manager of the Angel Place Shopping Centre and leading light in the BRI, explains some of the work it carries out.

IN the current climate we are aware retailers are continuing to suffer from lack of consumer spend, multiple retailers are reducing their portfolios and footfall is down.

Small businesses are competing with nationals, internet, and out-of-town and need to be at the top of their game but locally Bridgwater Retail Initiative has delivered a range of projects to help local businesses.

Examples include: Customer Service training: “Informative, enjoyable and a reminder of the absolute importance of customer service excellence. It has made me take a step back to critically analyse my approach, with a view to giving consistently excellent service” – David Coles, Past & Present.

Grants for new and existing retailers, supporting over a dozen businesses: “The help and support provided by the BRI has been invaluable and I have made some fantastic contacts. I have had access to a range of practical support and advice which has eased the difficult process of moving to the bigger shop in a short timescale” – Beverley Crocket, Flowers International.

Bridgwater Town Guide app: FREE smart phone application for locals and visitors to the town. Business can load up FREE advertising. Contact www.townguideapps.com to maximise opportunities for your entry, and help spread the word.

The BRI is made up of: Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater College, Bridgwater Mercury, Federation of Small Businesses, Pardoes Solicitors, Timeless Images, local letting agents; Tamlyns, Lyndon Brett Partnership, McKinlays and Keys Estate Agents. Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater Town Council, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, Bridgwater Industrialists.