Ninety businesses in Bassetlaw have been given the digital tools and expertise needed to increase footfall and attract new customers via an innovative scheme.
Support was offered by East Midlands Chamber under the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme, which aimed to support high street businesses across the district to adapt to changing purchasing habits, such as a move towards online transactions.
The businesses benefitted from one-to-one support from a high street adviser, and 78 of them received grant funding of up to £2,000 to help implement business improvement actions.
East Midlands Chamber’s deputy chief executive Diane Beresford said: “The Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme has helped businesses to improve their digital skills and implement online trading that complement, rather than replace, their high street presence.
“There are so many highly passionate business owners across the district who simply needed very practical support in boosting trade, for both the short and long term.”
The project, which ran from January to June last year, was funded by Bassetlaw District Council via the Government’s Welcome Back Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered in partnership with the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.
Councillor Jo White, cabinet member for regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council, added: “It is wonderful to see so many businesses in Bassetlaw benefitting from the Bassetlaw High Street Business Support Programme.
“Purchasing habits have changed since Covid-19, with more people moving towards online transactions. The adoption of contemporary online trading methods will improve sales both now and in the future.”
