DROITWICH firms are being urged to get involved in forming a new group aiming to give them a bigger voice on how to get business booming in the town.
The first steps towards creating the Droitwich Retail and Small Traders Group will be discussed on Thursday, May 25 from 5pm at the Old Cock Inn.
It is hoped the meeting will help create a ‘small chamber of commerce’ for retailers and traders to set up and run.
The meeting will see business owners discuss the benefit of an association, gauge interest and see if a committee could be formed.
It will also give Droitwich’s entrepreneurs the opportunity to discuss what they would like to achieve both individually and through the group.
Droitwich residents and businesses have raised concerns about the town centre, in particular over the past few months, the number of empty shops.
Fears were expressed at last month’s annual town meeting with suggestions on how to improve trade in the town centre including introducing free parking to shoppers for two hours.
At that meeting, Richard Morris suggested the initial idea of a ‘small chamber of commerce’ and said he would help set it up.
He said starting a group such as this would bring a ‘more joined-up approach’ to business in the town.
“We used to have a similar group in the town, but I believe something like this will help retailers and small businesses by enabling them to more formally say what is needed to help them.
“They can also more easily seek funding through this group and put forward ideas for consideration and support.
“Of course, not every retailer and trader would be involved but it would give clarity and vision on ways forward.”
He added introducing a single group would allow local councils and others to provide help, focus on events and activities more effectively and better support a town improvement strategy.
