Retail Birmingham

A few words from our Chairman…

09/06/11

“Retail Birmingham was launched in 2007, with a clear vision to ensure that our city centre retail area achieves its full potential as the region’s principal shopping, leisure and lifestyle destination.

Our objectives are threefold:

• To punch above our weight by developing new and existing markets,
• To deliver the destination of choice for shoppers, by providing an attractive, safe and well managed trading environment.
• To speak with one voice by engaging with businesses and partners to promote local solutions to local issues

 

The backdrop to Retail Birmingham’s work over the past three years has been a challenging economic climate, which has resulted in some of the most difficult trading conditions for retailers in a generation.

Retail Birmingham has responded to these challenges by taking stock of the situation facing our members, and developing effective campaigns and strategies to support them.

In 2009 we commissioned an Economic Study, funded by Advantage West Midlands, to gain a clear and impartial health check of Birmingham’s central retail area. The study revealed many positive signs: Birmingham remains one of the most popular shopping destinations in the UK, retailers reported positive trading figures and the city’s vacancy rates were far lower than other UK cities. But crucially, the Study highlighted that important work still needs to be done.

Independent retailers are the lifeblood of a successful shopping destination, and have been a key focus for Retail Birmingham.  The Celebration of Independents campaigns in 2009 and 2010, along with a programme of business seminars and initiatives like supported placements at Oxford Summer School have helped to raise the profile of our independent retailers and arm them with practical business advice.

In March 2010, Retail Week held a conference in Birmingham called ‘Saving Britain’s High Streets’. Retail Birmingham’s Design Strategy and Birmingham City Council’s Retail Development Programme were used as case studies to provide examples for reinvigorating a city centre and supporting independent businesses. It is vital that work continues to support independent retailers in our city.

Retail Birmingham has delivered added value to members by lobbying for additional funding and support. For every £1 raised by levy payers, a further £1 has been secured through grants and voluntary contributions. By providing a vehicle to work with local partners on behalf of retailers, Retail Birmingham can continue to lever additional value and ensure the voice of retailers is heard.

Birmingham and the West Midlands are not immune to the economic and structural changes that are affecting retailers across the country, but strong trading over the past quarter and an influx of new store openings paint a bright picture for Birmingham’s central retail area in 2011.

A number of high profile brands have chosen to open in Birmingham over the past 12 month including Jamie’s Italian, Forever 21 and Hollister, alongside independents including Wysteria Lane, 90 Day Café and Anderson & Hill. You can’t have missed the news that John Lewis will be coming to the city in 2014, which is a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham, and undoubtedly these openings ensure that the city keeps its retail mix diverse and interesting.

So my message to you is: the future is bright. With new store openings and major developments in the city over the next few years, including the New Street Gateway project, all eyes will be on Birmingham.

As retailers, it’s more important than ever that we maintain our strong voice, have a united presence, continue to provide a diverse, quality shopping experience to visitors and communicate our offer loud and proud.

Retail Birmingham is here to support you as retailers, and promote our combined offer to visitors. I hope that you will pledge your support for this continued, important work as Retail Birmingham approaches its renewal ballot in October.”