Cornwall Retail Network

A wet end to November...

There are several things to talk about this month.  Those of you who are regular readers, I’m not sure that there is more than one, so a huge hello to you, will know that I try to blog monthly, perhaps I should also send it out as an attachment? 

Firstly, I’m not a big Christmas fan, I think I’ve mentioned that before, but I’ve just become hugely inspired by a site I’ve stumbled across on the web, http://www.timeout.com/london/christmas/features/3868/Christmas_shopping_guide.html its really well put together and constructed and makes it seem like London is a real community, spread over a huge area, which I think is an interesting thought in itself.  But its shopping remit is fantastic, where to go, at what times, to get what, even down to which streets have what lights.  It’s amazing to note the diversity from eco friendly bits of coloured metal, to funky retro balls sponsored by Nokia, it’s a really inspiring to see how different areas are approaching the Yule time season.  Perhaps next year Bodmin could think of some different approaches to Christmas lights, due to the extreme lack of help and interest in its (non existent) lights this year.  I’m off to

London for a few days next week so I will let you know how it all looks.  Plus I won’t be able to resist the draw of the winter wonderland set up in Hyde Park…..

… On a more local note the Totally Truro bid manager Neil has sent me a copy of

Truro's Christmas offer and it all looks really good, check it out, the PDF is attached. 

On a more, somewhat somber note, it’s with regret that I attended the funeral of David Lang, the Falmouth Town Centre Manager, recently.  David was one life’s little gems, and he will be sorely missed by lots of people, his input and enthusiasm for the retail development in Cornwall, and his determination and work in Falmouth will not be readily forgotten.  I will remember him best, for his love of eating cake, his incessant dislike of seagulls, or at least their mess, and his impeccable manners….

Download tt_christmas__uide_20_11_07_2.pdf

  To be continued...

Task and Finish Group Minutes November 22nd 2007

Date

22^nd November 2007

Subject

Cornwall Retail Skills Task and Finish Group minutes

Location

LSC

Truro

Present

Pam Cole, Clare Harris, Mel Colton Dyer, Jamie, Richard McClenaghan, John Wilkie, Matt Powell, Simon Robinson, Jacky Lowcock, Berryl Baily, Mel Colton Dyer, Will Boex, Jo Lake

Apologies

David Chadwick, Charlotte Chadwick, Sarah Newham, David Clewlow, Richard McClenaghan, Phillipa Collett, Tony Reynolds, James Agnew, Stephen Horscroft, Peter Mason, Cathy Whitmore, Barbara Ellenbroek, Hannah Revell, Dawn Eastley, Guy Thomas, Debbie Osborne, Neil Scott   

AGENDA

* Welcome and introductions * David Lang * Terms of Reference * Presentation by Jo Lake * AOB * Conclusion

Context

Pam Cole

checked the minutes of the last meeting for accuracy, and continued to set the context for the group.  The terms of reference were finalized formally and are now recorded as such.

Pam reiterated that her role within the group would gradually decrease as the group develops and drives its own agenda.  She also explained that she would need to take a ‘back seat’ in terms of convergence due to open and competitive tendering, and it was agreed formally that the learning partnership would lead on the sectors convergence bid. 

Pam Cole

explained that the coordinator had been working with and visiting a number of people to help inform work in context with convergence funding.  This has been necessary in order to take into account the different opinions and needs of the sector.  A subgroup consisting of town centre managers and employers had been integral to this work.  Pam pointed out that skills and training are the main drivers for the group, and it is out of these objectives that other benefits will become clear.   

David Lang

It was with much sadness that Pam informed the group of the sudden death of David Lang, the Falmouth Town Centre Manager.  David was a strong supporter of the development of a retail sector, and a key member of the task and finish group.  He was well liked and respected within the local community and will be sorely missed by those who new and worked with him.  Two minutes silence was requested in his memory.  A donation to the British Heart Foundation was made at his funeral on behalf of the group, and The Learning Partnership.   

Presentation by Jo

Lake

The coordinator gave a PowerPoint presentation on ideas concerning a model to take forwards under convergence funding.  The presentation generated a great deal of discussion, and it was generally agreed that the model proposed was acceptable, if the skills advisor and the specific retail advisor could be combined. 

Pam Cole

pointed out that there needed to be links to mainstream provision through business link and NextStep where relevant. 

It was suggested that the Skillsmart secret shopper model be adapted to suit the area in which it was to be used.  A similar project run in

Plymouth

found that this was a more effective way of ascertaining relevant information.  This is something that can be discussed when funding agreements have been finalised.  It was also suggested that it would be interesting to see how online trading arrangements would fit into the secret shopper survey, and perhaps Skillsmart could be consulted on this.    

It was also suggested that a list of criteria should be drawn up to decide which three areas the model will be piloted in.  In terms of coordinating the project, it was generally agreed that pilot areas should have relevant links i.e. shoppers card scheme, town centre managers, LAA, organised traders meetings, cooperative schools etc so that the pilot has a good chance of success, and lots of other things to link into.  Bodmin was mentioned as favored location, along with Camborne/Redruth,

Falmouth

and

Truro

.  The town criteria will be discussed in the next meeting.   

In terms of a kitemark, Matt Powell suggested that there could be different levels of kitemark, as there are with accommodation providers, this would then encourage towns to continue with skills development, but would also help areas that are not yet ready for complete integration, or whose town centers are currently being regenerated could also be marked but with a less stringent criteria.   

Mel Colton Dyer suggested that there should be relevant links formed with the union for retail USDAW.

Action: Coordinator to contact local union reps through Geoff Hayle, and to work on a set of critera for the convergence model.

Conclusion

Pam concluded the meeting and thanked everyone for their input.  She highlighted that any work undertaken would need to link into other mainstream activities such as T2G, and perhaps the development of learning champions in geographical areas would be a good way to test employer and business engagement.  She pointed out that it was important for the sector to have a vision for the future, and have strategies in place that would help to continue the legacy of sector engagement after convergence. 

Actions

The coordinator to complete the framework for the sector bid through The Learning Partnership for convergence. – Jo

Lake

The coordinator to develop criteria to help critique areas that have been highlighted as areas to run the pilot program.   – Jo

Lake

The coordinator to contact USDAW, and enable engagement with the project. – Jo

Lake

Date of next meeting- Tuesday 11^th March 2008, 2pm - LSC Truro

Meeting chair

Pam Cole

Minute taker

Jo

Lake

Date created

15 October 2007

FW: Business Advisers' News - Issue 48

Jo Lake
Cornwall Retail Skills Co-ordinator
The Lodge Trevenson Road Pool Redruth Cornwall TR15 3RD M: 07737772181

-----Original Message----- From: Agnew James [mailto:james.agnew@cornwallenterprise.co.uk]
Sent: 28 November 2007 02:03 To: Tamzyn Smith ; Alan Shepherd ; Amanda Webb ; Andy Peters; Angie Coombe; Angie Shepherd ; Ann Vandermeulen ; Clare Leverton; David Rodda ; Dominique Tregenza-Hall; Don Adams ; Gail Pearson ; Hannah Revell; Harry Hart; Jane Sutherland; Janus Howard ; Jessica Smalley ; Jo Lake; John Hoelen ; John James ; Ken Martin ; Linda Davies ; Lyn Morris ; Manda Brookman ; Matt Barrett ; Michael Beadel - Chairman ; Michael Brougham ; Michelle O'Brien ; Nathan de Rozarieux ; Paul Bright ; Peter Castell; Philippa Collett ; Ron Spencer; Ross Williams ; Stafford Sumner ; Cresswell Rachel Cc: Threemilestone; Camborne, Pool, Redruth; Falmouth; North Cornwall; St Austell; Wayne Simmons ; Andy Peters ; Carole Lomas; Cherry Martin ; Graham Collins; hmorgan1@cornwall.gov.uk; Martyn Pearson ; Olivia Khadka ; Paul Wickes ; Peter McGregor ; Polly Skinner ; Priscilla Samuel ; Tony Wright; Clive Perrin ; Lorna Baines ; Mike Lagomarsino ; Richard McClenaghan ; Sarah Bannon ; Steve Luke
Subject: FW: Business Advisers' News - Issue 48

For info

James Agnew Sector Development Manager Tel. No: 01872 322883 www.cornwallenterprise.co.uk/business/sector_dev.aspx Registered Office: Pydar House, Pydar Street, Truro TR1 1EA Registered in England and Wales No: 3668828 www.cornwallenterprise.co.uk

Please let us know if you need any particular assistance from us, such as facilities to help with mobility, vision or hearing, or information in a different format.

Please consider the environment. Do you really need to print this email?

-----Original Message----- From: BAD News [mailto:badnews@cobwebinfo.com]
Sent: 26 November 2007 16:59 To: Agnew James Subject: Business Advisers' News - Issue 48

BAD News

For the better informed business adviser

26 November 2007 Issue 48

Welcome to this week's edition of BAD News (Business Advisers' News), a free weekly bulletin for business advisers. You can also check out BETTER business magazine for more practical tips and how-to articles for small business owners. Go to: www.better-business.co.uk.

The BAD News Team

badnews@cobwebinfo.com

_________________________________________________________________________

In this week's issue:

• Business confidence at two-year low • Fears of buy-to-let credit crisis • Brewers demand duty freeze
• Home assessors hit by lack of work • Reputation matters in business
• Congestion-cutting ideas put forward • Food law consultation opens
• Concern December rates likely to remain on hold • Builders warned after fatal excavation accident
• Shoppers continue to fear online fraud
• Increased number of broadband connections • The importance of the Internet to small firms
• Fake phone tap e-mail warning
• Shoppers will splash out for Christmas
• Healthy policy puts pressure on shops
• Business told to co-ordinate alcohol efforts • Campaign targets alcohol sellers
• Search for start ups for incubator project • Smaller Welsh firms miss out on opportunities • Online weather tools available
• UK economy at a glance
_________________________________________________________________________

News round-up

Business confidence at two-year low

Business confidence has fallen to its lowest level in two years, according to research from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Its latest Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) said the credit squeeze, the slowing housing market and higher interest rates are behind the fall in confidence. All business sizes, sectors and regions are affected by the downturn, the report said.

Read more on this story at:
http://www.icaew.com/index.cfm?route=152644

_________________________________________________________________________

Fears of buy-to-let credit crisis

There are concerns that the buy-to-let mortgage market is facing a crisis. Paragon, the UK's third-biggest buy-to-let mortgage lender, says it cannot borrow all the money it needs to sustain its business and plans to reduce the number of buy-to-let mortgages it offers by 50% next year. It follows an announcement by Bradford & Bingley - the UK's biggest buy-to-let lender - that it has taken measures to raise cash. The credit crunch means many banks have withdrawn deals for home loans and are turning down many loan and credit card applications.

There is more on this story at: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/mortgages/buy-to-let/article.html?in_article_id=426535&in_page_id=56&ct=5

_________________________________________________________________________

Brewers demand duty freeze

Brewers are calling on the Government to freeze the duty on beer after the biggest slump in sales since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has written to all UK MPs pointing out the problems facing the industry. The letter says the volume of beer sold through pubs is now the smallest since the Great Depression and overall beer sales - including off-trade - are at their lowest since 1969. Beer sales are down by 49% from their peak in 1979 and pubs are selling 14 million fewer pints per day.

There is more on this issue at: http://www.beerandpub.com/content.asp?id_Content=3022&id_ContentType=40

_________________________________________________________________________

Home assessors hit by lack of work

People who trained to work as home inspectors to produce energy performance certificates for Home Information Packs (HIPs) say there is not enough work available to make a living. It is feared that far more people have qualified as home assessors than are actually needed and their earning potential is much less than expected. The HIPs introduction was staggered after opposition - it currently only applies to homes with three or more bedrooms but will apply to all houses for sale from 14 December.

Read more on this story at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/7104149.stm

_________________________________________________________________________

Reputation matters in business

Reputation counts in business, according to a new survey that found customers are happy to pay more for goods and services from firms they trust. Businesses looking to create a good reputation should look closely at their customer service - 48% of those quizzed for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) poll said this was the characteristic that most boosts a firm's reputation. The survey said that Marks & Spencer is the business that has Britain's best reputation, followed by the John Lewis Partnership and then the Virgin Group.

There are more details on this story at: http://www.cbi.org.uk/ndbs/press.nsf/0363c1f07c6ca12a8025671c00381cc7/1c148e9ea6c3fe4280257394005e0c5d?OpenDocument

_________________________________________________________________________

Congestion-cutting ideas put forward

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has come up with proposals to cut congestion on the UK's roads. In the third of its five-pamphlet series on Sustainable Transport, the lobby group is advocating subsidised local transport incentives for staff, providing facilities to encourage people to walk and cycle to work, and investment in video and teleconferencing equipment to reduce business's reliance on transport.

Read more on this story at: http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/Ybj0xTw.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Legal updates

Food law consultation opens

A consultation is looking to change the way local authorities in England inspect and ensure that food businesses are operating within the law. It is proposed that the current inspection-focused enforcement policy is replaced with powers allowing local authorities to choose the most appropriate action to ensure compliance. The proposed changes apply to the Code of Practice (CoP) for Food Law Enforcement. The consultation is open until 10 December 2007.

There is more information on this issue at: http://www.food.gov.uk/consultations/consulteng/2007/foodlawcopengreview07

_________________________________________________________________________

Tax and money

Concern December rates likely to remain on hold

Minutes from the Bank of England's interest rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) show that members voted by a majority of seven to two to keep the cost of borrowing at 5.75% this month. The sizeable majority in favour of no change will heighten uncertainties about a rate cut in December, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said. A spokesman said the MPC had not paid sufficient attention to the worsening turmoil in the financial markets during November and urged it to announce a small cut in rates at its December meeting.

Read more on this story at:
http://www.chamberonline.co.uk/YcCEnDs.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Health and safety

Builders warned after fatal excavation accident

Construction firms are being warned to take care when working in excavations following the prosecutions of two businesses over an incident in which one worker died and another was seriously injured. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted George Wimpey (North East) Ltd and AW Cowan (Groundworks) Ltd at Teesside Crown Court after an unsupported trench collapsed on two workers, injuring one of them fatally. Both firms were fined after admitting they failed to ensure the safety of workers under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

There are more details on this story at:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=331343&NewsAreaID=2

_________________________________________________________________________

IT and Internet

Shoppers continue to fear online fraud

More than a third of consumers are still afraid of virtual pickpockets when they shop online, despite figures predicting a record Internet Christmas shopping period. Pre-pay card issuer 3V said 35% of those quizzed were afraid of fraud. Almost half (46%) said the Government should issue clearer guidelines for online shopping. Consumers, who are predicted to each spend more than £500 online over the festive shopping period, said they would make around two more online purchases a month if they were 100% confident in Internet security.

Read more on this story at:
http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/business/tm_headline=millions-fear-the-online-fraudster%26method=full%26objectid=20133898%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Increased number of broadband connections

Nearly nine out of ten UK Internet connections are now made via broadband, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It said 88.4% of all Internet connections in September were through broadband, up from 86.2% in June. The figures come from a survey of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which also showed just 11.6% of connections are now via dial up.

There is more on this story at:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/intc1107.pdf

_________________________________________________________________________

The importance of the Internet to small firms

Small businesses are being urged to keep up with the way the Internet is changing how people look for products and services, or miss out. Only half of Britain's smaller firms have a website, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) says small businesses are using their websites for a variety of functions, from communications and marketing, as part of the supply and customer chain, or to sell their goods.

Read more on this story at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7096900.stm

_________________________________________________________________________

Fake phone tap e-mail warning

A malicious e-mail is trying to persuade users to download a Trojan horse virus by telling them that their telephone has been tapped. The attachment purports to be a recording of a call involving the recipient of the e-mail but it downloads the Troj/Dorf-AH and downloads malicious software from a dangerous website when it is opened. It then tries to persuade the victim to buy fake security software.

There is more on this story at:
http://www.sophos.co.uk/pressoffice/news/articles/2007/11/detective-dorf.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Retail and sector news

Shoppers will splash out for Christmas

Shoppers will shrug off their money worries this Christmas and splash out on the festive season, according to analysts Mintel. It expects consumers to wait until January to review their finances, even though almost one-in-three said money is tighter after rises in interest rates, the credit crunch and the slowing housing market. Mintel predicts a 2-3% increase on last year. It said low unemployment and the fact rising interest rates will take time to filter through to those on fixed rate mortgages meant consumers were still confident.

Read more on this story at: http://www.ananova.com/business/story/sm_2608548.html?menu

_________________________________________________________________________

Healthy policy puts pressure on shops

Corner shops and convenience stores are to discuss the pressures they are facing due to the Government's attempts to improve the nation's diet. The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has organised a Healthy Eating Forum, which will be held in Leicester on Wednesday (28 November). The event will bring together shop owners, food suppliers and members of the Government to discuss how the industry can help to tackle Britain's obesity problem.

There is more on this story at: http://www.acs.org.uk/en/news/details/index.cfm/obj_id/4062C089-EAF7-45C5-A4855E06491C66F1

_________________________________________________________________________

Business told to co-ordinate alcohol efforts

Businesses producing and selling alcohol should adopt a co-ordinated approach to tackle under-age and binge drinking, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said. Mr Brown spoke out after meeting representatives from pubs, supermarkets, drinks manufacturers, academics and doctors to discuss how to deal with unacceptable drinking. The Government is also planning to review the Licensing Act 2003, which legalised 24-hour opening.

Read more on this story at: http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=57768&c=1

_________________________________________________________________________

Campaign targets alcohol sellers

Meanwhile, shops and pubs are being urged to be aware of the Government's Responsible Alcohol Sales Campaign (RASC), which is running for the four weeks until 23 December. Police will target 'problem' pubs and shops selling alcohol to people who are 'unequivocally' drunk, which is illegal under the Licensing Act 2003. They will also visit places selling alcohol to remind owners and staff of the law and their responsibilities. The police involved in the campaign are operating both covertly and non-covertly.

There is more on the campaign at: http://www.thelocalshop.com/en/news/details/index.cfm/obj_id/726212D8-0D62-43F2-BDFD6B2AE35E2A84

_________________________________________________________________________

Regional news

Search for start ups for incubator project

A worldwide search has started to find 31 leaders of knowledge-based start up businesses to take part in the second round of an enterprise project based in Scotland. The Edinburgh Pre-Incubator Scheme (EPIS) is offering the successful candidates an interest-free £10,000 loan and a support package including business and academic mentoring and accommodation worth £70,000. The project, funded by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian and the University of Edinburgh, has already selected five early-stage firms for the second round.

Read more on this story at:
http://business.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1826712007

_________________________________________________________________________

Smaller Welsh firms miss out on opportunities

Smaller firms which do not have formal links with universities are missing out on technology and development opportunities that their larger rivals are able to take advantage of, it has been claimed. The All-Wales seminar, held simultaneously in North and South Wales using video-conferencing, aimed to raise smaller firms' awareness of how they could collaborate with universities to improve their growth and boost economic development. The findings from the seminar are being put together in a report targeted at smaller firms throughout Wales.

There is more on this story at:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/articles/helping-the-smaller-business.html

_________________________________________________________________________

Events

The Landlord Show, Birmingham, 6 December

This event is aimed at people looking to make a living from renting out accommodation and includes seminars on topics such as buying property, legislation and tax issues. There will also be trade stands and networking opportunities.

To find out more, go to: http://www.landlordshow.info/home.asp

_________________________________________________________________________

Useful publications and services

Online weather tools available

The Met Office has launched a range of online gadgets which will prove a handy reference tool for firms whose businesses depend upon or are affected by the weather. The mini applications include localised weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, marine warnings and radar images. Users must have either the Firefox web browser or the Windows Vista operating system to access the tools, which are free of charge.

For more information, go to: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=332367&NewsAreaID=2

You can download the tools at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/gadgets/

_________________________________________________________________________

UK economy at a glance

Indicator Value Change on week Change on month Change on year

FTSE 100 6,279.2 + 11.9 - 382.1 + 229.1 £ against US $ 2.06 + 0.04% + 0.02% + 0.13% £ against € 1.39 0.0% - 0.04% - 0.08% UK inflation 2.1% - + 0.3% 0.3% UK interest rates 5.75% - - + 1.25% * Figures are as at midday on 26/11/2007

_________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________

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Retail Task and Finish Group Agenda

Date

Thursday 22nd November 207

Subject

Retail Task and Finish Group

Location

LSC Truro

Time

10am - 12 noon

LSC office

Devon and Cornwall

Publication intent

Agenda

Item 1. David Lang

Item 2. Minutes of last meeting

Item 3. Terms of reference

Item 4. Update on sector progress and work so far

Item 5. Any other business

Item 6. Date of next meeting

Publication no.

Meeting chair

Pam Cole

Agenda creator

Jo Lake

Date created

15 November 2007

Document ref.

G:\Admin\Susan\General\dec-fd-agenda-15oct2007.doc

Learn how to profit from the Internet

Channel Computing and MK Consulting are teaming up to offer an exciting new training for businesses in Cornwall:

“Learn how to Profit from the Internet”

A one-day A-Z of e-commerce, web site traffic building, sales and marketing,
and IT integration - and how to get it working for your business.

You are invited to attend a one-day training course for Cornish businesses, to be held by MK Consultancy of Redruth, and Channel Computing Limited of Penryn.  Your presenters will be Mike Kevern and Peter Graves.

Course Date:      Friday 7th December, 2007 9.30am.
Venue:               The Maritime Training Centre, Falmouth Docks, Cornwall.

Course content:

This course is a blueprint for the effective modern business.  It describes the processes by which a business can increase sales and profitability by smart use of IT and the internet.

You will learn:

• The secret to unleashing tons of targeted search traffic on your web site.
• How to convert visitors into long term customers.
• How to develop loyalty, and increase the life time value of your customer.
• The common pitfalls of designing a web site, and how NOT to fall into them.
• What to ask your potential web developer to make sure you don’t end up buying a turkey!
• The benefits of integrating the systems in your business, and how this can help you increase your profitability.
• How to keep customers interested, and coming back to you time and again.
• 10 strategies you can use yourself WITHOUT HAVING TO HIRE EXPENSIVE PROFESSIONALS which will generate a dramatic increase in visitors to your web site.
• To view your overall IT strategy in the context of your goals for your life and your business, and how it can help you to achieve them.
• The until recently secret methods that leading webmasters are using to propel their web sites to the top of the search rankings.
• The basic legalities of developing and protecting your web site, and who owns it.

On the day we will do exercises working through real case studies of your business, so that by the end of the day you will have tangible action points to take away with you.

Retail sales are static, while on-line sales are growing at 30.1% in North America, and 39.6% in Europe (Nielsen NetRatings).  This course answers the question: How can I benefit from this trend?

Your Trainers for the day:

Mike Kevern is the owner of MK Consultancy based in Redruth Cornwall, and delivers specialist business trainings in: Management, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Time Management.

Peter Graves is the Technical director of Channel Computing Limiteda Penryn based business which develops web sites and applications, optimises for increased web site traffic, and conducts on-line marketing campaigns.

For a map of how to your training course please visit:
http://www.marineskills.co.uk/prospectus.asp?prsiteid=5&content=121

To Book your place please contact:
http://www.channelcomputing.co.uk/internet-training-course-booking.html

Why not take another look at St Austell!!

Hi all,

Debs, St Austell Town Centre Manager here!! Jo has asked me to be guest author on the Cornwall Retail Network so here goes!!

Most of you may be aware that St Austell is going through a major regeneration project at the moment which has caused a lot of ups and downs for retailers within the town centre, with the closure of the Cinema decreasing weekend footfall.  Negativity throughout the town is widespread but I try my hardest to keep everyone happy.  The new development will bring 20 new names into the town, we can boast having the first Starbucks and Wilkinsons in Cornwall.  New Look are relocating to a store 3 times their original footprint so for some, and with provision of a brand new 4 Screen multiplex Cinema, this new scheme is a major step forward for the town.  We are still waiting for a decision on Anchor Retailer, lots of whispers, but nothing confirmed.  Once work has commenced, 200 to 300 local people will be employed, with 500 to 700 being employed once the development is complete.

Civic Pride enhancement works are improving the streetscape of the town, with new granite footways/roadways and improvement of the gateways into the town.  Using local material and local workers.

Projects that are being worked on for the town is getting Fairtrade Status.  Working with Eden and the Fairtrade Foundation, we are hoping along with Truro, we can promote and increase the number of retailers stocking Fairtrade goods.  We will be having a big community event to tie in with Fairtrade Fortnight in March 2008.  Best Bar None which has just been rolled out in Carrick is another boroughwide project being worked on with Guy, Newquay Town Centre Manager.  If you don't know BBN is a Quality Assured Scheme for Licensed Premises.  We want all premises to apply for this mark, we will roll it over the 2 town centres first then extend it to the whole borough.

Late Night Shopping starts on 27th November, then 4th, 11th and 18th December.  If you think you knew St Austell then come in and have another look. Bob McReadie from Pirate FM will be switching the lights on, snow is guaranteed with with snow machine, plus we have lots of musical and street entertainment.  We are running a 12 days of Christmas competition with Pirate FM so listen in and you may even win a prize. Starts 3rd December.   www.staustelltown.co.uk has all information about the town so why not visit!!

Signing off for now but will be back Debs