News

 

A packed audience of Dungannon traders and supporting bodies gathered last Monday 2nd July at Dungannon Enterprise Centre for the finale event of the Innovative Business Development Retail Programme. The event marked the end of an innovative six month Retail Development Programme that had been delivered to fifteen independent businesses by Purple Dot and South West College.

Traders benefited from tailored training and support on topics such as selling, merchandising, window dressing, e-commerce and online training that enabled them to focus on getting their business through the difficult times. Traders also received mystery shops to assess their customer service performance, providing unparalleled feedback to give them a competitive advantage in the retailing sector.

The event not only focused on celebrating the success of local traders on completion of the programme, but their achievements in attaining a City in Guilds Level 2 NVQ in the use of Digital and Social Media in marketing campaigns. The hardworking traders were presented with their certificates by Francie Molloy, Chairperson of Dungannon and Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership.

One small step to making Dungannon businesses more inviting was by traders taking responsibility for their future by participating on the programme, showing much positivity and a renewed effort to stimulate growth for the town.

Paul McCreedy, Dungannon's Town Development Manager said "The Council recognises there has never been a better, nor a more important time to support independent retailers to ensure they compete and prosper in the current downturn. The Innovative Business Development Retail Programme gave participating businesses an opportunity to become more competitive by encouraging them to think outside the box and to plan for the future. All participants now have a clear action plan for their business covering all subject areas, thus ensuring a lasting impact and increased capacity for business improvement".

This project was supported by the Northern Ireland Executive through the Department for Social Development. It was managed by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and was delivered by Purple Dot in partnership with the South West College.