RETAIL SUPPORT FOR YOUR HIGH STREET

RETAIL SUPPORT FOR YOUR HIGH STREET

Work with me to create a programme of support for your independent retailers.

I provide tailored training, coaching and advice for independent shops, with a practical emphasis, that builds on existing knowledge and fills in the gaps. Working in partnership with local Councils, BID teams, Growth Hubs, or with committed individuals who come together to access support.

Each programme is shaped around the needs of the businesses (and the funder, if relevant), taking into account available time and budget.

The aim is simple: to help independent retailers stay resilient and give them the best possible chance to thrive.

A Programme Designed and Built for Independent Retailers

The Retail SALES System programme has been created and designed specifically for independent shops on the high street. It offers a clear and connected view of retail best practices across eight workshops.

The topics build on one another, providing a strong foundation for running a shop, alongside more progressive steps for growth.

This isn’t off-the-shelf training, it’s tailored to the businesses involved. The programme has evolved since 2014, shaped by years of experience working with retailers across the UK.

A Programme Designed and Built for Independent Retailers

The Retail SALES System programme has been created and designed specifically for independent shops on the high street. It offers a clear and connected view of retail best practices across eight workshops.

The topics build on one another, providing a strong foundation for running a shop, alongside more progressive steps for growth.

This isn’t off-the-shelf training, it’s tailored to the businesses involved. The programme has evolved since 2014, shaped by years of experience working with retailers across the UK.

Workshop Participants have said...

"The workshops really gave me a better understanding of business. I now know how to plan properly by deciding on a time frame and breaking down objectives into allotted sections. This process prevents feeling overwhelmed!"

"It allows you to talk to other business owners and gain an insight into what they are doing. It also offers professional advice that is not technical but on a level you can understand."

"Being able to actually sit down!... and discuss my business - being able to reflect on the positive and negative elements and being able to make effective changes!"

What's Involved?

Each session builds knowledge in a step-by-step way, allowing shop owners to reflect, make changes, and see real results. These are practical, working sessions, participants spend time on their business, exploring ideas and creating action plans.

The group format enables useful conversations with others from the local area. That often leads to peer support, collaborations, shared events, and stronger community networks. Individual coaching alongside the group sessions helps people work through the detail of their own business at their own pace.

Why This Approach Works

Running a business is hard work and it can be isolating. Independent retailers often don’t get the chance to share challenges or compare notes. These sessions create that space.

When people are in the room together, they realise they’re not alone. And they often leave with stronger networks, clearer plans, and more energy to move forward.

What participants gain…

 Dedicated time to work on their business with expert support

 ✔️ A better understanding of how different parts of the business fit together

✔️ More confidence in reviewing performance and planning ahead

✔️ Renewed motivation through peer discussion and one-to-one coaching

✔️ A stronger connection between shop owners, councils and local organisations

✔️ Support for new retailers, helping to reduce vacancy rates and keep high streets active

Interested in Bringing This to Your High Street?

Whether you're a Council, BID team or a group of local business owners working together, the programme is fully adaptable to your needs. The workshop content and/or one-to-one coaching can be shaped to suit your local context.

If you’d like to discuss how it could work for your high street, please email me with your requirements ~ hello@sallypepper.co.uk

Feedback from Councils...

You’ve provided an excellent service and we’ve had fantastic feedback from all our participants. You’ve brought great skill and personality to the mentoring scheme and worked really well with a range of retailers from different backgrounds and levels of experience. This scheme has shown the value of a professional, targeted mentoring service with people who have a strong knowledge of retail. The programme structure worked well and we would like to see how we can run a similar programme in future with a longer timescale to enjoy the long-term effects.

We have been delighted with the business mentoring programme delivery and the impact this has had on individual businesses and the reputation of the Borough Council. We have seen some exceptional enhancements from Sally and the team’s work and this has given the individual businesses the vigour required to push ahead in growing their businesses and retaining their customers. The businesses feel supported and loved and this has been the biggest success. I personally feel that the work my team and I are delivering in Ashford has been greatly enhanced by the support Sally and the team gave. The mentoring achieved stronger businesses able to move forward and survive on the high street in uncertain times. I would like to thank Sally and the team for their expertise and enthusiasm for the businesses and the Town Centre.