Shop Local: Boosting Festive Footfall – Middlesbrough Workshop

Christmas is a crucial trading period for high-street shops and independent businesses. Are you ready to make the most of the festive retail rush?

Join North East retail consultant Graham Soult for an interactive workshop packed with practical tips to help your business:

• Maximise festive visibility and sales
• Leverage key events such as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and local Christmas celebrations

Graham has spent the last 15 years supporting and championing high streets and independent businesses across the Tees Valley and beyond. He is well known from his appearances in the press, on the radio and on TV, including several retail-themed Netflix documentaries.

These workshops – available both in-person and online – offer a unique opportunity to meet Graham, ask questions, and gain insights from his extensive experience helping UK towns and businesses thrive during the festive season.

Who can attend: Free for retailers trading in the Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, or Stockton-on-Tees).

Online Workshops

Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry – we are running a number of online sessions so you can join at a time and place convenient for you.

• Thursday 20 November, 16:00 – 17:00
• Monday 24 November, 12:00 – 13:00
• Tuesday 25 November, 8:30 – 9:30

You can also check out the event collection to find other in-person sessions taking place across the region.

Shop Local Campaign: Independent Business Christmas Shopping

Visit Tees Valley is launching the Shop Local campaign from mid-November through December to celebrate and showcase the people and stories behind Tees Valley’s independent retailers.

The campaign will encourage residents and visitors to shop local this festive season, increasing footfall and spend across high streets and town centres during the key Christmas trading period – so you can make the most of the tips and tricks learned through this workshop series.

Keep your eyes peeled for a bespoke campaign page on the Visit Tees Valley website, featuring local business profiles and shopping inspiration.

By signing up you are giving Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) permission to share your details with our Local Authority partners and Canny Insights to support with the organisation and delivery of these events. Your details will not be used for marketing purposes.

Support is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.