Major conference to revive rural retailing

The Warwickshire Rural Retailing Seminar

One of the country's top experts on retailing will be the main speaker this month at a major conference aimed at launching a revival for shops and pubs in villages and towns across south Warwickshire.

Professor Alan Hallsworth, a high-level adviser to both government and the private sector for more than 30 years, is attending the "Bring back Dragons to the Countryside Retailing Dragons" conference, at Stoneleigh Park on Sunday, November 29 from 4 pm to 7.30 pm.

The event is being organised by Voluntary Action Stratford-on-Avon District (VASA), Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRRC). It has the support of Heart of England Fine Foods, The Hook Norton Brewery, VISRA, Pub is the Hub, The Plunkett Organisation and other companies and organisations.

David Morgan, VASAs Rural Outreach Manager, said this week: "This will be one of the most important conferences in south Warwickshire for many years and will, we hope, lay the foundations for a comeback for rural retailing.

"Our rural economy is very fragile. The recent closure of some post offices, coupled with the recession, has aggravated a situation that was already deteriorating. A big question mark hangs over the survival of many shops and pubs in villages and small towns. It's essential we reverse the trend.

"But it is not all doom and gloom rural retailing can have a bright future if we learn from the experiences of from rural businesses which have succeeded elsewhere in the country.

"So in addition to Professor Hallsworth, we will have other experts who will talk about such issues as reducing fuel costs, successful collaboration, community support and how a profitable village shop works."

Professor Hallsworth is Professor Emeritus at Staffordshire University and was a special adviser to the House of Commons Select Committee on Communities and Local Government for its recent report on retail markets.

The conference is limited to 120 delegates and places can be booked through Steve Patalong on 02476 217348 or stevep@wrccrural.org.uk