Monthly Archives: June 2011

Independents’ Day

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The IWP team are passionate about independent retailers thriving, our recent Huddersfield Town Centre Retailer event saw a roomful of independent retailers unite to understand how we can work together to save the town’s high street.

So I was delighted when reading the Sunday papers to find that Skillsmart Retail and National Skills Academy for Retail are teaming up with the British Independent Retailers Association to organise the ‘Independents’ Day’.

The day will encourage everyone in the UK to buy at least one item from a local independent retailer on the 4th of July and celebrate the diversity of products available on our highstreets.

Not one to pass down on the opportunity to shop, and committed to assisting local businesses succeed, you’ll find me on my high street on the 4th doing my part for ‘Independents’ Day’ and possibly expanding my wardrobe too!

Business and Creativity Thriving in Australia

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We were delighted to find business flourishing here, inspired by this particular region of Australia’s wine business going strong. Taking ideas and inspiration from one of Victoria’s vineyards famous for Pinot Noir, the grapevines looked similarly healthy.

On one evening we had the pleasure of being invited to an Australian film premiere – Sleeping Beauty – experiencing Retail Theatre created successfully in a vibrant industry. The concept applied to every experience, including wine glasses with ‘film measures’ stamped up the side.

The trip has opened our eyes (although battling jetlag didn’t help!), not only through cultural differences but in terms of creativity and what industries are thriving on the other side of the world. Our work with our client has been amazing and with a few days left we will be putting our all into making it a success!

It’s all ‘Go’ on the Other Side of the World

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On Sunday Richard and I took to the skies to embark on a new adventure, with a retailing client on the other side of the world, IWP would be taking their first steps into the fair country of Australia.

The bundle of joy that is jet lag was the first challenge faced, but once we won the short battle against waves of wanting to sleep at inappropriate times (my daily ‘tea fix’ certainly helped), we were wide awake and ready to get the project rolling.

I can certainly say we have thrown ourselves into the task, and that a plan is starting to take shape. With most of this week being spent in stores we have been on a ‘mini’ adventure taking to the road to drive the massive distances between locations.

The sheer distance and immense size of the towns is a real eye-opener, so different to home. However, the weather has been a nice reminder of the ‘grey’ of Yorkshire and little reminders of England keep popping up in the most unusual of places…

While you read this we’ll be turning the nightlight out on another exciting day – facing a week full of more ‘mini’ adventures and hard (but thoroughly enjoyable) work. Bring it on!

A Fine Day for Lawn Bowls

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Last Friday I had the pleasure to join the team from Riley & Co Accountants for their 25th anniversary celebrations – a momentous occasion for the Halifax-based organisation and something they are very proud of.

Speaking with many of them on the day, it was obvious they have a very passionate and vibrant team, and what better way to celebrate the anniversary than by partaking in lawn bowls at Elland Bowling Club, having some gorgeous strawberries and cream, and, of course, a glass of bucks fizz or two!

The weather, unfortunately, didn’t match the bright atmosphere and the rain fell at full-pelt during the first round of the bowling matches. I was teamed with Paul Jones from Riley’s competing against Vicky Atkinson, one of Riley’s directors, and Jane Gregory from Eaton Smith. They proved to be formidable competitors and Paul and I were beat 9 to 1 (obviously the rain had taken it’s toll on our bowling skills…).

All in all, I had a really enjoyable afternoon and met some interesting people that I hope to meet again in the future, I’ve heard that they might make the bowling an annual event… I’ll be there next year, umbrella and all!