Want to make your business stand out on the high street?
This interactive 1.5-hour workshop introduces two practical tools to help micro and small businesses create stronger connections with their customers and adapt their business models for the future.
You’ll explore:
- The Four Realms of Experience (Entertainment, Education, Esthetics, Escapism) – discover how to design more engaging, memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.
- The Business Model Canvas – a simple way to map your business, identify new opportunities, and innovate to stay competitive.
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with:
✅ Practical ideas to make your customer experience more engaging and distinctive
✅ A clear visual map of your business model and how to strengthen it
✅ Fresh inspiration to compete with bigger brands while staying rooted in your community
This workshop is ideal for independent retailers, cafés, creative businesses and service providers who want to attract and retain loyal customers by making every visit more meaningful.
About the Workshop Lead
Ilze Mertena is Programme Leader for BA (Hons) International Tourism Management and a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. With 9 years’ industry experience across tourism, hospitality and aviation Ilze brings a wealth of practical insight to her teaching and training. She specialises in bridging academia and industry, helping businesses and students alike to innovate, adapt and thrive in competitive markets.
