Its getting to that time of year again, when you can’t find the things in the isles of the supermarket that have been in the same place for about twelve months, due to the deluge of shiny paper, sparkly cards and insipid ball balls. I’m not a huge fan of the festive season, but for a retailer Christmas is huge. What to have in the window? What to buy and in what amounts, trying to decided what’s going to be this years ‘hot or not’ choice with the punters, is often hugely difficult, because as a consumer nation we are very fickle and immensely difficult to please. Even down to covering staff holidays and dealing with increases in footfall, arranging the dreaded staff party where someone always gets drunk and dances on the table, employers have their work cut out.
It seems this year the market has its work cut out too. With the Halloween merchandising market pushing a shocking £160 million this year, making it the third most lucrative trading period after Christmas and Easter (it even out sells valentines day), it’s a wonder that any of us will have any money left for that all important festive spend. But with the top 12 Christmas presents already listed (check out http://www.guardian.co.uk/retail/story/0,,2188273,00.html ) it is clear to see what areas will be dominating our Christmas lists. Personally I’d like a hot holiday some where in the middle of nowhere, that didn’t have much call for tinsel, (probably slightly difficult without the aid of a passport!), but it seems that many of us will be opening the seasons must have, a Dalek mask. It also has a voice changer, and is designed with children and adults alike in mind. My prediction is that once unwrapped it would be proving an annoyance in seconds, so perhaps I would go with “Are you smarter than a 10 year old?” or an “GR8 Art Bindeez Super Deluxe Studio Centre” both at a very respectable £20 mark, and hitting this years top 12 over all Christmas list.
A big player hoping for Christmas peaks is Argos Argos
So after retailers Christmas has been hijacked by Dalek Sec the human hybrid, and littered with cinematic themed models, and interactive dolls, they face another dilemma – the internet. If research, have a squiz at the guardian, (www.guardian.co.uk/retail/story/0,,2197909,00.html) is correct £14 billion pounds will be spent on line this Christmas, which makes us Europe’s biggest internet consumers. I must admit, in my house we all do lots of shopping on line, mainly for ease, after all we can do it in a coffee break without even leaving the office to get wet, or stand in a queue, and its delivered to our door in perfect timing for the big day. Often it’s cheaper too, which is always an attraction… as a retailer I would want to be getting in on a little bit of that customer potential, perhaps offering something that others aren’t, like a gift wrapping service, because I’m not that keen on wrapping things up either….
But Christmas is also about thought. Despite what’s on the top list, there are many of us who would perhaps have a toaster, or an extravagant bottle of bubbly, even some rare cheese, what ever it is that takes your fancy, part of the Christmas experience has to be about shopping, finding that perfect little item that might just make the present bearer smile. And despite my reservations about the festive period, you can never beat a good old day of shopping…. Especially if it involves coffee and cake!
Name of Company:
Address:
Name of Respondent:
Position:
Date:
1. What are your major products or services?
□ Food and Drink □ Communications □ Lifestyle
□ IT □ Beauty/Cosmetics □ health and Fitness
□ Stationary □ household □ Clothing □ Gifts
□ Other (please state)…………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
2. Who are your main clients? Again tick box
□ Local Area □ Cornwall Area □ UK (excluding Cornwall)
□ Internet □ Mail-order □ Other (please state)…………. ……………………………………………………………………………
3. Are you an □ independent or □ multiple trader? (Please tick)
3a. How many other branches does your outlet have?
□ 1-3 □ 4 – 6 □ over 7
3b. Are your other branches based in;
□ Cornwall □ South West □ National □ International
4. How many staff do you employ?
□ 1- 5 □ 6 – 12 □ 13 – 25 □ over 25
5. Does your business have significant seasonal staff recruitment levels?
□ yes □ No
5a. If so how many extra staff do you employ?
□ 1 – 3 □ 4 – 6 □ over 7
6. Overall in the last 2 -3 years, have your employment levels
□ increased □ decreased □ stayed the same?
6a. How much have your employment levels changed by?
□ + 1 □ + 2 □ + 3 □ + 4 □ Over 5
□ - 1 □ - 2 □ - 3 □ - 4 □ More than 5
7. In the next 2 – 3 years, do you anticipate your employment levels will
□ increased □ decreased □ stayed the same?
7a. How many employees will this involve?
□ + 1 □ + 2 □ + 3 □ + 4 □ Over 5
□ - 1 □ - 2 □ - 3 □ - 4 □ More than 5
8. Do you train your staff?
□ Yes □ No
If no please state why…………………………...
……………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………...
8a. If yes how many times a year?
□ 1 – 3 □ 4 – 7 □ 8 – 10 □ more than 10
9. Do you have a staff skills training budget?
□ Yes □ No
If no please state why…………………………...
……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………..
If yes how much?
□ £100 □ £200 □ £300 □ £ 400 □ £500
□ Other (please state)…………………………………………………...
10. Do you currently have any vacancies which are proving difficult to fill?
□ Yes □ No
If yes please state why and how many ………………………..
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
11. Are you currently experiencing a shortage of skilled people to undertake the jobs you are offering?
□ Yes □ No
If yes how many? □ 1-3 □ 4-6 □ 7- 10 □ over 10
If yes what particular skills do you require?......
……………………………………………………...
……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………..
12. Where would you go to find out information about training?
□ Business Link □ Job Centre □ Internet □ College
□ other please state:…………………………………….
…………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………….
13. What would entice you to get yourself, business and staff involved in training?
□ Business Development opportunities
□ Staff shortages □ Personal rewards
□ Media attention □ Increased profitability
□ Other (please state)………………………….
…………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………..
14. Is there any specific training that you currently need?
□ Marketing □ IT □ Accounting □ Management
□ Customer Service □ Other (please state)..
……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………..
15. What are your major barriers to training?
□ Location □ Time □ Money
□ Other (please state)…………………………..
…………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
16. Does your business currently use information communication technology?
□ Yes □ No
16a. If yes what do you use it for?
□ Email □ Sales □ Web Site □ Ordering/Purchasing
□ Advertising □ Other
(please state)……………………………………
…………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………..
17. Do you think that the internet will provide you will a way to generate more sales in the future?
□ Yes □ No
17a. If yes how many?....................................
Please explain your answer…………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for completing this questionnaire
Date:
Email Address:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Enterprise Edge newsletter.
Are you a Cornish business? Do you buy Cornish products?
Cornwall Enterprise wants to find out more about where Cornish businesses purchase their products and services and whether there is the opportunity to match local buyers with Cornish suppliers. If you own or work for a business in Cornwall that has more than 5 employees, we would appreciate your help by taking part in the Buy Cornish Local Sourcing study. This study will take no longer than 10 minutes of your time.
Taking part in this research could benefit the Cornish economy.
For more information visit -http://www.buy-cornish.co.uk/survey.php
The Buy Cornish Local Sourcing project is supported by Rural Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Partnership Rural Renaissance Funding and the South West of England Regional Development Agency
Family members support businesses
Nearly six out of ten businessmen in Britain say a relation is engaged in their enterprise in some function, such as a member of staff, a consultant or shareholder. Tenon Forums research has discovered that a third of all small businesses were managed by couples and that a quarter are controlled alongside parents or siblings. Tenon Forums study also showed that one in six businessmen had inherited their business and that a quarter of businessmen intended to pass it on to relations.
Industry Focus: Premium Lagers, Beers and Cider
According to KeyNotes Premium Lagers, Beers and Cider Report in August 2007, the total market value was estimated to be in the region of £14.18 billion. The clearest classification of premium products can be directly related to the alcoholic strength. Furthermore, the positioning of a brand may also affect whether a product can be considered a premium drink or not.
The market can be divided into three main sectors: premium lagers; premium beers; and premium ciders. In 2007, premium lagers comprised nearly three quarters of the overall market at 74.1% whereas premium beers comprised 23.6% and premium ciders 2.3%.
The UK market is dominated by global brewers, generating the expected marketing push for their premium products. The noteworthy premium lager brand in the UK market is Stella Artois. Despite the dominance of the multinational brands, there are a growing number of regional brewers who continue to practice traditional brewing. These brewers support cask ales such as Abbot Ale, London Pride and Old Speckled Hen.
Cider has become an increasingly novel product in the fashionable drinks market. The most prominent cider is Magners, imported from the Republic of Ireland. It is set to challenge ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits like Smirnoff Ice. Premium Lagers are also becoming challenged by new products in the market. Becks Vier and Budweiser Silver are both under 5% ABV and have been launched due to the healthy-drinking issue. Therefore, this has produced a new level of competitive low-strength session lager.
Keynote forecasts that the Premium Lager, Beer and Cider market is to grow by 12% between 2008 and 2012. Nonetheless, whilst premium lager and beer is expected to show a strong recovery in the market, ciders are predicted to decline.
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Date
11th October 2007
Subject
Cornwall Retail Skills Task and Finish Group minutes
Location
LSC Truro
Present
Pam Cole, Charlotte Chadwick, David Lang, Clare Harris, Mel Colton Dyer, Sarah Newham, Barbara Ellenbroek, Hannah Revell, David Clewlow, Gill Moore, Dawn Eastley, Matt Powell, Barbara Ellenbrook, Simon Robinson, Stephen Horscroft, Peter Mason, Cathy Whitmore, James Agnew, Terry Uglow, Jacky Lowcock, Berryl Baily, Mel Colton Dyer, Tony Reynolds, Pam Cole, Jo Lake
Apologies
Sue Lovell, David Chadwick, John Wilkie, David Clewlow, Richard McClenaghan, Phillipa Collett
AGENDA
* Welcome and introductions * Context and work so far * Terms of Reference * Presentation by Jo Lake * Convergence * AOB * Conclusion and action task set
Meeting Notes
Context
Pam set the context for developing the Task and Finish Group and highlighted the fact that there is a need for greater consultation and voice from the sector themselves. A coordinator has been appointed and will now drive through the action plan as part of her work plan. It was recognised that the action plan would take much longer than the one year contract of the coordinator. However Jo will prioritise starting the work and work with partners to gain convergence funding in order to complete further work
It was formally agreed that Pam would chair the groups meetings until the spring, when the group will reconsider its functions and future.
Pam reminded the group of the skills remit that surrounded the action plan and terms of reference.
Terms of Reference
The terms of reference were read through and discussed with the group. There was an agreement that there needed to be a marked difference between national and local retail statistics, particularly the relationship between the vibrancy of town centres and footfall figures. In light of this the group felt that there was a need for a research budget.
It was suggested that there should be some description of the groups roles and responsibilities included in the terms.
A question was raised over the end date of the project, as the group is called the task and finish group. It was decided that the coordinators contract should be used as the time scale for the group. This could be extended with convergence funding.
Action: Terms to be revised and emailed for confirmation by the group.
Presentation by Jo Lake
The coordinator gave a PowerPoint presentation on ideas concerning the development of retail in Cornwall. A web log for retail was also launched and publicity for this was discussed.
The presentation sparked a debate about secret shopper initiatives and it was agreed that these should be utilised to maximum effect.
The idea of a retail kite mark also fuelled a discussion. Tony Reynolds, put forward the idea of towns signing up to the skills pledge, suggesting that this would be a kite mark to other towns, and could initiate employee pools, where employers would share a group of suitably skilled and qualified employees who could fill short term staff shortage gaps.
Several people voiced concerns over the government level 2 expectations, saying that this type of training is unsuitable to retail businesses. It was pointed out that a level 2 qualification is part of the driver for funding, and perhaps providers will be able to offer of innovate ways of providing such training for businesses.
Action: Jo to distribute copies of presentation.
Convergence
Pam led the discussions on convergence. Detailing that both the LSC and job centre plus would be writing the specifications for the bids, with the first part of the application process completed through PQQ's. There is 1 million pounds available for retail, but an employer led response is needed to inform any bid and the sector must demonstrate that employers have been engaged. The expectation would be that an employer led approach would then be delivered in partnership with providers, bringing everyone together to discuss who currently provides training in what format and in what geographical area, to ensure employers have access to training they require in a location convenient to them.
It was suggested that there may need to be a subgroup of the task and finish group, made up of people who have direct contact with businesses, to specifically deal with convergence.
AOB
Charlotte Chadwick from Penwith District Council informed the group about a Truro College and Penwith District Council initiative called Radical Retail. The project was inspired by the Fusion project which was funded by the RDA in areas such as Manchester. The Cornish project has successfully engaged with retailers in Penzance and Truro. The group put together a bid for the RDA, which was unsuccessful. Charlotte and Truro College will present their project to the Task and Finish Group at an extra meeting scheduled for the 5th of November, 2pm at Truro College, with the view of exploring the model and deciding if the model would be appropriate to use in a bid for convergence.
Conclusion
Pam concluded the meeting by setting a task for everyone in the room who has direct contact with retail. Anyone who has such contact was charged to question six businesses about their current business situations, staff, and skills needs. The Coordinator will supply the group with a generic questionnaire for this purpose, the responses would be discussed at the next meeting.
Actions
1. The Coordinator will provide a final copy of terms and reference to be agreed before the next meeting. Jo Lake
2. Every person in the room, who has direct contact with retail outlets, was charged to question six businesses about their current business situations, staff, and skills needs. The Coordinator will supply the group with a generic questionnaire for this purpose the responses will be discussed at the next meeting. Pam Cole, Charlotte Chadwick, David Lang, Clare Harris, Mel Colton Dyer, Sarah Newham, Barbara Ellenbroek, Hannah Revell, David Clewlow, Gill Moore, Dawn Eastley, Matt Powell, Barbara Ellenbrook, Simon Robinson, Stephen Horscroft, Peter Mason, Cathy Whitmore, James Agnew, Terry Uglow, Jacky Lowcock, Berryl Baily, Mel Colton Dyer, Tony Reynolds, Pam Cole, Jo Lake
2. The coordinator to supply the group with a copy of the presentation given. Jo Lake
Date of next meeting- 22nd November 2007 - LSC Truro
Meeting chair
Pam Cole
Minute taker
Jo Lake
Date created
15 October 2007
Dear All,
Welcome! Hopefully, if you have arrived on this site, and you are now looking at this space, you have accepted the invitation to become a member of the Cornwall Retail Network Group, that probably means that you have also attended the recent Retail Skills Task and Finish Group meeting.
The idea behind this site is that the group now has an interactive forum, where issues that are affecting you as a provider, a college, or a private business owner can be shared, and hopefully in sharing them you can slowly begin to build relationships with people, institutions and other retailers, who might be able to help, or direct you to someone who can. You will also be able to keep yourselves up to date with key industry changes, statistics, and if you miss a meeting, I will also post the minutes, so you can catch up. The site will also include links to other web pages, so if you want your site linked, or you feel I need to add something I haven’t please let me know, this is your blog!
Hopefully some of you will feel compelled to leave feedback or comments in the form of posts. Posts can be formal, informal or objectionable if necessary. However, all sight traffic and posts have to come through me! And if needs be I will use my own judgment about the relevance or content of a post, so please site rules, no bad language, no direct attacks on an individual or institution, (that’s what satire is for!), and until you have tried it, please don’t knock the site, its work in progress… for everyone.
For me coming from a communication and marketing background, communication, in all its forms is paramount. This blog is a communication tool, and as such is invaluable. Its got you this far, and its given us a moment for a conversation we might otherwise never of had…
I am also a huge fan of building strong, successful relationships. For me, relationships are really what they say on the tin. Everyone has experience of some sort of relationship, weather that be with a partner, a husband, a friend, even a dog!?, and regardless of what anyone tells you, those relationships didn't just occur, they were nurtured from the beginning, and require work to be maintained. Let me give you a working example. Take romance, a slight cliché, but hey?! Romance by nature is full of gestures, big, small, some unnoticeable to external parties, but every gesture helps in some way the romancer to pursue their aim, ultimately to win the affections, the trust, the time and support of their Romeo or Juliet. The romance, the work of the romancer, simply does not cease the second the aim is complete, not only would that be a waste of time, but the relationship being unnourished would fall apart.
Putting it into a business context, employers that invest in their staff, are also nurturing a relationship, they are taking care of their staff, investing in their future and taking the time to recognise their needs, thus doing their best to form and maintain a solid working relationship. A friend of mine has recently been through a appraisal procedure, at the exit meeting, he was praised highly for recognizing and contributing to the positive people culture of his staff. For him it was unexpected, because he naturally works hard at generating and maintaining relationships, it’s what makes him a good manager, and keeps his turn over levels low. As a result when his staff were questioned they supported him 100% in a way that made the whole department look great to an outside assessor.
In a similar way as a group, as a society, as a collection of people who have similar visions and aims for retail, who share industry concerns, who want Cornwall to compete, and want Cornish retail to generate a name for itself, we all need to invest time in each other and work together to generate positive outcomes. I agree that in principle what often sounds easy, is perhaps beneath the surface very hard to generate, but what is good for the economy and retail as a sector has to be good for everyone involved in the sector at whatever level….
On the subject of this post blogging, if you want to check out some other famous blogs, just to see what its all about, follow the links.
So to blog or not to blog? You decide.
Jo Lake September 2007
