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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Kate launches bid for a retail revival
A BUSINESSWOMAN born in Huddersfield has pledged to revitalise retailing in the town. Kate Hardcastle, senior partner at business transformation company Insight With Passion, has made it her personal mission to put the town centre back on the map. Kate and business partner Richard Gomersall are planning an event open to all town centre retailers where they will present a seminar on “retail theatre” – and offer complimentary consultations to help independent traders solve the challenges they face. The move follows a recent survey claiming that one in seven Huddersfield town centre shops stand empty – as the town falls victim to economic woes and the impact of big-brand retailers leaves independent traders facing an uncertain future. Said Kate: “Huddersfield is my home town. I feel passionate about it. Huddersfield was not long ago a thriving town centre and although community spirit still exists, the economy is taking its toll. “I’m going to change that.” Insight with Passion has an enviable
track record in rejuvenating jaded businesses. Kate and Richard have travelled the globe to impart their knowledge to retailers facing challenges. Last year, they spoke at the fifth World Town Centre Rejuvenation Congress in London on just that subject. So far this year, the partners have presented seminars regarding Retail Theatre at Interiors 2011, The Spring Fair and The Jewellery Show. Seminars are also scheduled at the Keeping Business Local Expo and Brand Yorkshire. The concept provides clear advice on how to create “retail theatre” in-store to improve the shopping time and average spend of customers. By transforming the look, feel, sounds, scents and the service delivered in-store, businesses can transform their sales floor and ultimately increase footfall and profit. Insight with Passion has worked with clients to transform the quality of their services – bringing substantial and tangible results. One client reported a 40% turnover
■ INSIGHT: Kate Hardcastle
increase and won three major new contracts following their work. Insight with Passion also worked with Clerys – billed as the world’s oldest purpose-built department store and “The Heart of Dublin”. The store had a rich heritage that was loved by Dubliners, but had been forced to cut and retrench after being ravaged by severe economic times. The challenge was to re-think its strategy and regain its longstanding identity as a true Irish gem. Insight with Passion put together a
plan to deliver results within 15 weeks, focusing on four piorities of brand revitalisation, product proposition, people engagement and process efficiency – all significant aspects of “retail theatre”. The store embarked on a new brand campaign that delivered increased footfall and praise from locals. Product ranges were enhanced and the shop floor given a makeover which encouraged more people to buy and enticed customers. Through new services, the staff were refreshed and engaged, mystery shopper results improved within weeks and record attendance was reported. Now Insight with Passion aims to achieve similar success for Huddersfield stores. Said Kate: “We have valuable local knowledge and close ties with the Huddersfield community. We know the needs of the centre and have the means of transforming the town.” To register interest in the event, call Charlotte Cody on 07889841555, email charlotte@insightwith passion. co.uk or visit the website www.insight withpassion.co.uk
Yorkshire firms are keen to invest in the future YORKSHIRE bosses have ambitions to expand their businesses – despite uncertainties about the economy. A third of small and medium-sized firms in the region polled by Barclays Business said they would use financial investment to expand into new markets while 21% would use it to buy new equipment.
However, 32% of SMEs in Yorkshire are more nervous about debt since the start of the downturn. Amanda Shepherd, regional director for Barclays Business in Yorkshire, said: “Our research suggests some entrepreneurs, particularly larger SMEs, may be harbouring ambitions to expand their business.
“It is particularly encouraging that SMEs would invest additional finance in expanding into new markets or purchasing new equipment as it indicates a real focus on growth and level of confidence for the year ahead. Ms Shepherd said: “Barclays continues to agree four out of five business lending applications, so the evidence is
clear – we’re open for business for lending and we want to hear from good businesses with viable plans.” She added: “In the current climate, for some businesses, borrowing is a valuable lifeline. “However, for others it can also be a way to expand and diversify into new markets.
INSIDE Quietly content A CLECKHEATON company providing equipment to reduce noise from machinery in the workplace has plenty to shout about. Wakefield Acoustics has won an award after achieving excellent scores in an independent assessment of its performance on safety, health, environment and quality.
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Tapping into tax PLUMBERS face a taxing time – as HM Revenue & Customs seeks to clamp down on trades people failing to declare their earnings.
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Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds