References from Councils and BIDs
“Fran carried out a series of mentoring sessions with 30 independent retailers in Brighton & Hove during the Autumn and Winter of 2019. The sessions were well-received and successful for the retailers as Fran was able to advise on areas that hadn’t been considered before. We found the service to be well thought through and professional. Fran has a wealth of experience, and an easy engaging manner and she was able to put her knowledge and creativity to good use in advising a range of independent traders across Brighton & Hove. Fran delivered on all of the agreed outcomes.” Cheryl Finella, Economic Development Programme Manager, Brighton & Hove City Council
“Fran really got to grips with the issues that many of our small businesses were facing. By working closely with the business owners, she put in place simple yet hugely effective measures that saw immediate dividends. Every single business that engaged in the programme was very positive about the whole experience and we’d love to run something similar again in the future.” Gavin Stewart, Chief Executive, Brighton Business Improvement District (BID).
“Fran assisted Mid Sussex District Council by running a series of workshops and 1-1 coaching sessions aimed towards helping smaller independent retailers in the District compete on the high street. The training itself was very well received by the retail community, we experienced a high take up, and received a number of cases of feedback highlighting the immediate positive effect that the training had on their business. We would highly recommend Fran to any organisation looking to undertake a scheme such as this.” William Hawkins, Economic Development Officer, Mid Sussex Council.
“Fran’s seminar on Marketing was very much appreciated by attendees. Fran also provided bespoke marketing support to ‘Scatter Box’ a gift shop in Weston. The feedback from that was excellent, so positive that we are seeking funding to contract Fran to carry out more one to one advice sessions with retailers in 20/21” Cara MacMahon, Heritage Action Zone Project Officer, North Somerset Council.
What the Retailers Say
“We were taking an average of £600 to £700 a day. Then, after the workshop this week on visual merchandising we spent the afternoon re-organising the shop and putting into practice everything we had learnt. The next day we had sales of £2,000! We’d almost tripled our previous daily takings. And everything we did was free to implement too. It isn’t a fluke either. This week our sales were up £5,000 on the previous week”. Tom Bucknell, Tina Bucknell Fashion, Burgess Hill.
“Fran was really informative and helpful. Small tips made a big impact, like colour blocking the shelves.” Caroline Clifton, Present in the Laine, Brighton.
“Fran was very focussed on us as a business and how we can work to improve our profitability.” Martin Lawrence, Lawrence Art Supplies, Hove.
“The coaching session was fantastic and something often not available to small retailers. It fitted in around my days and was tailored for my business perfectly. Very, very useful. Thank you Fran, your wealth of knowledge and help was invaluable.” Louise Hill, Hope and Harlequin, Brighton.