The post you are reporting:
Apparantly - and I have to say apparantly, as I don't have confirmation, all the empty shops in the Market Square have offers on them to open, so this would be good news - if they are the type of shops we want in the Market Square..
I say that because we have a big "Charity" shop on one corner and one of those empty shops is going to be a cheque encashment service, so those benefit cheques can be cashed; also second-hand goods bought and sold in there - similar I understand, to the service offered by Albermarle and Bond round the corner, but not as good.
If it will actually be a high-grade shop for the discerning "Man about Town" to cash his cheques and have quality items to sell, then that's an obvious advantage.
The Market Square should be one of, if not the most prestigious shopping area in Dover, but with a benefit cheque-cashing service and a big charity shop, it doesn't exactly create that quality image - does it ?
If the Planners can reject the retail park for Whitfield because of its perceived damage to Dover Town, then something should have been done against this place, as it will also have a detrimental affect on central Dover.
A good Business Plan, affordable rent and rates and a product that people want to buy, should be a recipe for success; the first one can be achieved with help and guidance from the Chamber of Commerce if required; the last one is very important and needs a lot of thought, but it's the two in the middle, that stop many new businesses from even getting off the ground and is where most help is needed - again some help on this can be given by the Chamber of Commerce.
After the New Year, renewed efforts must be made on tidying up the closed shops and having good artwork done on or in, the windows of them. This will be one of my main priorities as Dover Business Support Manager.
Roger
