News: Independents' Day in Rotherham

Local retailers in Rotherham will be celebrating Independents' Day on July 4.

Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the country to encourage the public to celebrate diversity on the high street and support their local, independent retailers.

Rotherham is backing the campaign with a host of activities organised by the council's Business & Retail Investment Team from 11am in the new events area in front of the Markets Complex. Rotherham's new Mayor will be on hand at 12.30pm to sign people up to our Shop Local scheme and see first-hand the variety of goods on offer at the markets.

There'll be music, entertainment and lots of giveaways too including the chance to win one of two £50 hampers.

The Source, which opened a skills academy in Rotherham this week, are offering a free Taster Session for Mary Portas and WorldHost courses on July 4.

Anne Seaman, Chief Executive of Skillsmart Retail said: "We are delighted to lead this campaign and support small retailers. Raising awareness amongst the public is one of the biggest challenges smaller retailers face and our message is about encouraging the public to use their local high street and understand how important a diverse retail sector is."

Coun. Gerald Smith, Town Centre Cabinet Member for Rotherham Borough Council, added: "Rotherham prides itself on its range of diverse independent shops and so is well placed to take part in the national Independents' Day. We have some great shops and market stalls and the Shop Local scheme has proved to be really popular, receiving huge support from the shopping public.

"They have discovered that anyone who Shops Local will get value for money for distinctive quality products and services as well as excellent customer service. They will also be boosting the local economy and employment."

Rotherham town centre has 154 independent and specialist shops, including 14 new retailers who have taken advantage of the Town Centre Vitality Grant Scheme. The indoor market is home to 80 independent traders and the outdoor market attracts a further 120 independent traders throughout the week.

Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: Skillsmart Retail