Buy Barking & Dagenham
Prior to Christmas last year, the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr. Liam Smith launched the Buy Barking and Dagenham campaign to encourage local residents to shop within the borough in order to support local businesses and help protect jobs. This forms part of a package of measures to support retailers.
How Barking and Dagenham Council is supporting retailers through tough times
The Council recognise the importance of town centres and local shopping parades in the local economy. The retail sector is being particularly hit by the current economic conditions and any loss of retail businesses has a significant impact on economic confidence in an area. The following measures will support the borough’s retailers through tough times:
1) £1m investment in improving the physical appearance of five parades in the borough. Chadwell Heath, Martins Corner, Andrews Corner, Broad Street and Reede Road will all see improvement works. For further details contact Kelley Green on 020 8227 3921 or kelley.green@lbbd.gov.uk
2) Regeneration Strategies for Barking Town Centre and Dagenham Heathway being implemented with new developments to attract additional trade. For further details please visit the Council’s website or contact regeneration@lbbd.gov.uk.
3) Establishment of Business Partnerships where local traders can come together and discuss issues of concern and influence Council policies. Currently there are five retail areas with a partnership running. The Broad Street Partnership has recently produced a guide to the shopping centre to help promote it to local residents-Broad Street Guide. Contact Reg Woda for more information on 020 8505 0140 or reg.woda@btconnect.com
4) Buy Barking and Dagenham Campaign – promoting awareness of what the borough’s retailers offer to encourage residents to shop locally. This will be supported with banners in a number of parades.
5) Barking and Dagenham Venues and Shops website will help promote what is available – www.bdvenuesandshops.co.uk
6) Working with traders on the “Buy with Confidence” scheme which improves the credibility of service and goods providers and is a strong reassurance to the customer. Contact Barking and Dagenham Trading Standards on 020 8227 5650 or trading.standards@lbbd.gov.uk.
7) A range of Business Support to assist retailers. Business Relationship Managers can support and inform you about free workshops on topics such as marketing, budgeting and business loans. Contact Karthik on 020 8724 8295 or karthik.durgaprasad@boldanddynamic.co.uk or Paul on 020 8724 8292 or paul.bishop@boldanddynamic.co.uk
8) Business Rates. Is your business having problems paying business rates? Or is your rateable value less than £15,000? If so you may be able to get a reduction in the business rate. Contact the Council as soon as possible – we may be able to help. Call Rates on 020 8227 3597 or e-mail: businessrates@lbbd.gov.uk
9) Security Improvements. Last year the Council worked with a number of retailers to secure Home Office funding for security improvements. The Council will work with retailers should any other opportunities arise.