Free retail training for Norfolk businesses

Retail Excellence Programme pilot rolled out to Attleborough, Aylsham, Gorleston, Hunstanton & Sheringham

After the success of its first-stage Retail Excellence Programme, Norfolk County Council is rolling out the initiative to five more Norfolk towns. People working in retail businesses within Gorleston, Hunstanton, Attleborough, Aylsham and Sheringham are now able to sign up for six free workshops to develop and enhance the skills needed for a modern retail business to thrive.

Rural towns are pivotal to Norfolk’s economic prosperity and High Streets Matter was launched by Norfolk County Council in August to help equip businesses for success and help high streets to flourish. Delivered by High Streets Matter, the Retail Excellence Programme is the first scheme of its kind in the UK and is designed for anyone running, or working in, a retail environment, such as a traditional shop, market stall, farm shop, or an online retailer looking to move into physical premises. Some of the workshops are also appropriate for customer-facing service business such as hairdressers, beauticians, estate agents and opticians.

Alexandra Hemen is a high growth business advisor with New Anglia Growth Hub and responsible for the High Streets Matter initiative. Formerly head of retail at Adnams, Alexandra is using her expertise to deliver the Retail Excellence Programme.

“The main purpose of the programme is to upskill our high street retailers, so they are prepared and confident to embrace the challenges and opportunities of modern retail,” Alexandra explains. “With six, three-hour workshops, some online and some in-person, this course offers an incredible opportunity for business owners to access high quality training for free. Participants will come away from the training with lots of inspiration, knowledge and tangible actions to help their businesses thrive.”

“As well as skills development, the programme also aims to foster a stronger sense of community and collaboration between retail businesses,” continues Alexandra. “We know that when businesses come together, particularly in smaller towns, they can achieve far more than when they act alone, so we’ll be looking at ways in which retailers can share best practice, skills and ideas to benefit their whole retail community.”

The next Retail Excellence training programme begins on 24^th September and there are 60 places available. Applications are open until Friday 19^th September 2025.

Once the training programme has finished, a dozen companies will be invited to join a follow-up High Growth programme to accelerate success and build a pipeline for retail awards.

Nick Steven-Jones is chair of the Norfolk Business Board which supports business and drives economic growth in Norfolk.

“The Retail Excellence Scheme is a great example of the very practical support that is available to businesses in Norfolk,” says Mr Steven-Jones. “All retailers are having to look carefully at costs, and investment in staff training can sometimes be unaffordable. Therefore, having access to quality training, completely for free, could be a game changer for many retail businesses in Norfolk. The High Street Matters initiative can provide businesses with a range of support and we’d encourage businesses to find out what help they can access.”

To find out more about High Streets Matter, email nhsm@norfolk.gov.uk or visit

https://www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk/norfolk-high-streets-matter/