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One Stop Shop for Information & Advice
Retail Advocacy
A voice for specialist retailers
Retail advocacy is an increasingly important activity within ActSmart. On our own we cannot influence the people who make the decisions which can have such a big impact on our businesses and our sector. But by working together with the right partners our combined voice can be heard, and can make a difference.
ActSmart is represented in a number of different organisations, all of whom are working for the interests of independent retailers. Working within this context also gives us a fascinating insight into some of the big issues affecting retail and business. Plus a wealth of useful information which we can feed back into the ActSmart community to better inform and educate our subscribers.
Independent Retailers Confederation
The IRC is an umbrella group formed to generate critical mass for organisations, who on their own could not hope to generate a high profile within Government and Parliament. IRC members include representatives from many independent sectors including newsagents, pet care, bakers, fishmongers, music and market traders to name but a few. A great reflection of the diversity of independent retailing in the UK.
All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group
This group of cross party MP?s aims to highlight the problems of smaller retailers and to draw attention to their social as well as commercial role. Most recently this group completed the ?High Street: 2015? report which received nationwide coverage for its enquiry into trends in the UK retail sector and the future of independent retailers.
The Retail Academy
ActSmart is a partner and shareholder in The Retail Academy which was formed to provide training and knowledge support to the independent retail sector, whilst promoting the development of retail skills throughout the UK. Retail Academy is responsible for the development of the ?Retail Detail? business support and e-learning tool, which is available through ActSmart.
Retail Enterprise Network
The overall aim of REN is to protect and promote diversity in the small retail sector. As a partner ActSmart provides input and support for activities aimed at giving strategic direction and a voice to a fragmented but key part of the economy. REN is driven by the goal of seeing the sector thrive in all its diversity.
