A BID to set up a ‘small chamber of commerce’ in Droitwich to support local businesses took a big step forward at a meeting last week.
Over a dozen local businesses showed an interest in forming a group which would give them a forum to discuss and better develop ideas on how to help get business booming in the town.
During the meeting, former mayor and high street business owner Jan Bolton discussed how the Droitwich Area Retail and trader society (DARTS), which folded in 2006, used to operate and assist businesses.
During its run, DARTS helped local traders with resources such as emergency telephones and Christmas decorations as well as supporting them with events.
She said reforming DARTS would be very beneficial for traders.
Businesses who expressed interest in forming a retailers group will now meet at the old cock inn at 5pm on June 15 to select a chair, fill committee positions and agree a way forward.
Among the many topics discussed at last weeks meeting was the need to increase footfall in the high street, with many concerned about empty shops.
Other items discussed included running more events on the high street, introducing pop-up sculptures and other art and establishing links with local councils to feed ideas and thoughts to.
The idea for a retailers and small traders group was raised at the annual town meeting in March, after several local entrepreneurs expressed concerns about the struggles for businesses in the town centre in particular.
Richard Morris, who suggested the creation of a ‘small chamber of commerce’ at that meeting, said the initial discussions had gone very well.
He added the group, which the retailers and small traders would run, would give a more joined-up approach to business in the town which would enable them to more formally say what is needed to help them.
