Well the location model has been completed, and I must admit I was very pleased at the outcome with the main focus being on the town scoring very highly in Customer Service.  There were aspects of the location model that highlighted the main concern for the town, which is foot fall.  

So with the location model available for viewing in a few weeks, I thought I would highlight one section from the meeting which was held in Ruthin Castle last month.  If your business didn't have a presence there, then you well and truly missed out on a fantastic insight into the people that visit and shop in Ruthin.

It is one of these street interviews conducted by Skillsmart Retail that I wanted to see the back of once and for all. 

When asked about facilities that would benefit the town, almost a quarter of people asked requested 

'cheaper / better parking'.


I'm not going to beat about the bush when I say that Car Parking has been a considerable thorn in the visitors and business owners of Ruthin's side for some time, and it is something that is continually being raised in our executive and open meetings, with good reason.  Astronomic Car Parking fees has been the reason behind what many businesses and users seemed to be at a loss with when it came to attracting and keeping people in the area, especially when Molds rates for example are considerably lower.  Recently they have very kindly found funds to reduce the price of car parking in the town for a period of time, and it was extremely warmly welcomed in a town like Ruthin where we always felt that the fees were a contributing factor in the visitors to the town centre not being as high as they could of, however if we can't have the same rates as neighbour towns that are flourishing with businesses, then the Chamber decided to push it a step further.

 With direction from Mr Alan Wheatley on our Exec, who has been battling for free parking in town for probably longer than I've been alive, a pilot programme by selected shops is being implemented to see if we can bring shoppers into town, and keep them here, or at the very least enable them to stay longer.

The programme is run by participating establishments sticking a 'Free Parking' sign in their window provided by the Chamber, every person that shops in that venue will be able to see how much they have to spend to receive a nominated amount of their car parking fee back. 

For example,  if you shop in Gareth Lynch Jewellers, and spend maybe £20 then you could receive 20 pence back towards your car parking.  If they then continue, to say Montecito and spend another £20 then they may receive another instalment of the car parking fee back by the retailer.  In essence, for every shopper or visitor that supports the local businesses, they may ultimately park for free.

This, in my opinion is exactly what the Chamber is about, and exactly what it was formed for.  This is the towns local businesses making things happen themselves.  The spirit of local business and ultimately the Chamber,  being proactive, n local business and see the towns economy prosper in the process.  Any obstacles that stand in the way will be over come by co-operation and a spirit of camaraderie that will ultimately see us all working together to make the town a success.

If you would like like to see the end of Car Parking fees in Ruthin, and the beginning of shoppers staying in the town, or would like more information on the Car Parking Programme please e-mail [email protected] 

Well here it is the first post of the Chamber of Trade blog.  I thought I would start with an introduction to the Chamber.  We are a bunch of people, business owners and representatives who got together after the incident with the gas works on Clwyd Street.  Little or no liaison with businesses meant that everyone suffered with the closure of the street whilst the works ploughed on, regardless of the impact it would have on local economy.  

The people in that room felt that a body was needed to represent the local trades people, and a working Executive was put together.  I volunteered for the role of membership secretary, and several others were nominated or volunteered for the other roles.  Those people in that room that evening showed true grit.  Not just that their businesses and livelihoods had been effected by road works, that unfortunately was inevitable.  But that they shown a passion to stand up and make their voices heard, as a Business Community.    They were fuelled by anger that not a single person in any official capacity had taken the time to prepare them for the  following couple of months which was possibly going to put their business in jeopardy.  I felt like I was really becoming a part of something significant, and I was extremely surprised that business owners felt that they didn't have a voice, some even mentioned that they felt they were paddling up stream, against  a constant stream of doubt and uncertainty.

I must admit, the whole world of constitutions and executives put my head in a bit of a spin, but I was excited to get cracking none the less.  Unfortunate circumstances meant that some people, though willing to support had enough on their already broad shoulders, than to carry more responsibility and through one way or another I ended up as Chair.  Scary, daunting, and one heck of a responsibility I made myself a little promise and took on the role.  In for a penny in for a pound. 

The Chamber is brand new, it's been going now a little over 9 months and you may think that is a while, but this is just the beginning.  We will (and have on a couple of occasions already) battle for what is going to keep independent trading alive, and we aim for what will make it prosper.  I have made a commitment, as well as every member on the Executive Committee to stand on your behalf for what you believe is the best for your business and economy.  However we can't do it alone, and the people and business owners that were stood in that room that evening should remember why they were stood there, and what they wanted out of their presence.  Anyone who feels that certain town issues don't effect them will be the first stood in line when it comes to dishing out blame.  Together you have the chance of standing up with other businesses owners for what is in the Independent Traders best interests.  Be that Business Rates, Car Parking Fees, Town Plans, local branding, training for you and your business or even the future of shopping in the town, can all be shaped and defined by what YOU put in.  It's amazingly powerful stuff, and I feel privileged to be representing businesses alongside other people who want to put their business and the towns best interests at heart.   We work together with community, tourism, and civic groups to make sure we are all pointing in the same direction, with the same aims at heart.


I thought I would start the blog  to serve local businesses, we will touch on topics important to local businesses and traders. I will also feature local businesses each month, to give everyone a little insight into who they are, what they do, and hopefully make you think 'I'll go there'.  There's only one way to support your local business, and that's with your feet!  Walk in there and support the amazingly unique and hand raised businesses that are sat on your doorstep.  Take some time and choose the fresh meat from your butchers instead of the vacuum packed stuff from the supermarket that has been stuck there for who knows how long.  Walk into the local toy shop instead of looking on some Retail Giants soulless 'buy everything here'  web site and see if there is something that you used to love as a child that you can pass on to the next generation (Can you believe my nephew never played with Lego?!).  Have a look at the local restaurants that have everything from gourmet cuisine to hearty home cooked meals, all a five minute walk away.

This town has some truly amazing businesses and a whole array of things to offer you.  However if you don't use it, then I fear that Ruthin may become another one of those towns that has passed it's time.  I want people to visit my town and see how beautiful and unique it is, not wonder 'what happened here?'.  The only people that can change that are the people that are in it.  Yes... That's YOU!

If you want to help contribute to your town as a business owner then please feel free to e-mail the chamber with the address on the home page.

I hope to see you soon, in a shop near you!
 Gavyn :-)