MPW - The First 90 Days
What a three months it’s been! A change in government, 65 medals won at the Olympics, Oasis announce a reunion tour - and MPW launches with a bang!
But firstly, welcome to my opening blog which will be the first of many by MPW where I will share industry news, real accounts of what’s happening in the world of placemaking and shopping centres and updating you on MPW’s activity and what vibrant changes we’ve been making to our much-loved towns and cities. The first blog here offers a flavour of the topics I’ll be covering, and from next month onwards, ill be diving deep into a variety of industry topics.
Over the last 90 days, I’ve been busy making some great connections, securing new partners and building awareness of MPW - its offering and long-term ambitions – as I have a few….
Our launch in May led to regional and national media coverage and since then I’ve taken part in radio interviews, news articles and even recorded MPW’s first ever podcast - discussing digital marketing and its importance to not only entrepreneurs, but to high street businesses. The discussion covered topics on how retailers engage with their consumers, how they can maximise their digital platforms and also the importance of analysing data in order to improve and deliver more effective and meaningful digital marketing campaigns. As the podcast was only recorded in the Welsh language – feel free to listen up when the podcast is officially launched 😊
As many of you know, I’m from Anglesey, North Wales and one of my passions lies in creating impact on my ‘home turf’ and in the Welsh language. Many efforts have been made to uncover opportunities and networks in Wales and I’m delighted to be working with some fantastic organisations such as Smart Towns Wales and Bangor City Council. As well as delivering webinars to decision makers and town centre businesses in Wales over the coming months to discuss ‘Making the High Street Work’ (click HERE to register) I’m honoured to have been invited to be guest speaker at the Smart Towns Wales roadshow in Anglesey this month. Please feel free to join the event and find out more about the Smart Towns Wales initiative.
Out and about…
MPW are always on the lookout for inspiring projects that involve creative delivery and sophistication – and as I’ve been around the country by vehicle, train and on foot over the last few months I thought I’d share a few things that have stood out for me:-
The RHS Tatton Flower Show certainly did not disappoint this year. They exhibited some beautifully lavish displays alongside a natural charm of rustic presentation, bringing collaboration, education and sustainability together all in one place – perfect! It’s amazing how impactful planting and landscaping can be for creating a welcoming environment and contributes to softening hard landscapes to visitors.
After another welcoming visit to the beautiful Burlington Arcade in London, it was a delight and honour to receive an exclusive tour by the longest serving Head Beadle, Mark Lord. Providing exemplary customer service and discussing everything from uniform to exclusive events, to exhibits and even custom-made lipsticks - Burlington Arcade never fails to deliver! Excellent customer service is paramount to sustain customer loyalty - and now more than ever, this is a critical tool to master.
Found directly opposite Tottenham Court Road Station, is the impressive London Outernet. As soon as you enter you become immersed in a captivating display of interactive games and audio. With free entry and something for everyone (including little ones) this is a creative and modern use of space. Interesting to watch, take part or even relax!
Shopping Centre – behind the scenes in the Summer…
It is that time of year in the shopping centre industry where it’s all ‘hands on deck’ for the busiest quarter of the year. With the ‘C’ word being discussed mostly all year with final touches being prepared now, it’s all systems go to finalise those added tweaks for this years Christmas events, marketing campaigns and in-store participation and delivery. We have always found that summer time, especially August, is a great time of year to dot the I’s and cross the T’s – working collaboratively with the creative and PR team to pull everything together, fine tune the magic and plan the seamless delivery. Of course, there are always bumps in the road, but working ahead of time and collaboratively as a strong team means that any obstacles can be overcome with experience and a plan B, C or even D 😊
Latest retail news and opinion
After reading the FSB report ‘The Future of the High Street’ published last month, a few points stood out to me. It was interesting to see the statistics and the recommendations put forward to support the vibrancy of our high streets. 47% of high street small businesses say an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour is the biggest risk to their high street. This is a very high and worrying percentage. Crime is a growing problem in our town centres, shopping centres and retail stores. Over the years, I have employed many strategies aimed at reducing and combating crime and anti-social behaviour, but with limited resources and the ever-demanding pressures on our public services, this is a real challenge. From my experience, it is absolutely essential to form a proactive partnership of stakeholders to reduce the negative impact crime has and to make a stand. Retail crime and anti-social behaviour is one of the biggest threats to our town centres - and action must be taken.
In terms of placemaking and sustainable regeneration, I certainly believe there needs to be a more proactive and collaborative approach to tackling vacant units. Data such as owner contact details, square footage, premises condition needs to be available to understand who the landlords are and their objectives, but also a clear strategy with creating opportunities for use – and to make this happen relatively quickly. Financial support for businesses to take on units is paramount and empowering and enabling young entrepreneurs to excel and thrive in an ever-changing retail environment is fundamental as consumer demands and behaviours change.
As our high streets become more about the experience rather than shopping, it is essential that a strong partnership is formed between tourism associations and the high street. Not only is this a strong platform to generate further marketing support and publicity for high street businesses, it’s also an opportunity to drive effective footfall by capitalising on culture, history, the experience economy and the overall tourism offer. By working collaboratively with accommodation providers, theatres, leisure, events and F&B operators, there’s a platform to support not only day, but evening and night-time economy making our towns and cities attractive places to visit and live.
Words of wisdom…
As I am passionate about empowering people and encouraging the next generation to thrive and succeed, part of my blog will always finish with some words of wisdom:
• Say ‘yes’ to everything and take everything in. Notes, notes, notes.
• Through every rejection, there’s always a positive. Gain feedback, learn, and try again.
• Read every day and stay up to date. Knowledge is power.
Until next time,
Medi