Member Article

Gateshead traders supported to capitalise on new centre

Traders in Central Gateshead are receiving expert guidance and hands-on support to help them to take advantage of the business opportunities offered by the new Trinity Square.

Fifteen local independent businesses in the town’s High Street, Jackson Street and West Street areas are taking part in a professional mentoring and business development scheme funded by Gateshead Council to support and develop local retailers.

The scheme aims to ensure that local traders are able to take advantage of the major changes in their trading conditions brought about both by the opening of the Trinity Square development and the imminent arrival of around 1,000 University students.

Training and mentoring is being delivered by North East-based management and training consultants Bsupplied.

Paul Dowling, Strategic Director of Development and Enterprise for Gateshead Council, says: “The opening of the new Trinity Square shopping centre is radically changing the way Gateshead town centre is used and perceived.

“With a new supermarket, more than 40 other shops, cafes, restaurants and banks as well as a nine screen cinema and almost 1,000 Northumbria University students, many more potential customers will be visiting and living in Gateshead town centre than ever before.

“This presents a substantial business opportunity for every single business in the town centre, and our aim is to ensure that those traders are able to take full advantage of this major new influx of potential customers.”

One local retailer who is already taking advantage of the scheme is Fashion Scene in Gateshead’s Jackson Street. The business, which is run by brothers Sajad and Ejaz Gulbhar, has been established in Gateshead for more than 40 years and specialises in unique and affordable ladies, men’s and kid’s fashion.

Sajad said: “The advice and support offered by this scheme is really helping us to plan for the future.

“We now have a clearer vision of where our business is going, and the confidence to grow our business to meet the opportunities ahead.

“This scheme has already encouraged us to undertake a competitor review to help us to gain a clear understanding of exactly where our business fits in the fashion sector. We are also receiving help to develop an expansion strategy based on opening more shops.

“The retail sector is certainly challenging at the moment, but there are still opportunities out there. Some traders might view the Trinity Square development as a potential threat, but we believe it presents us with a major opportunity to grow our business.

“With the help of this scheme, we are confident that we will be in a great position to take full advantage of the expected increase in footfall in Gateshead town centre.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead Council .