Luton Future High Streets programme is aimed at the local high street businesses that are looking to grow, scale and develop. This programme will focus on supporting businesses to diversify their offer, improve how they market themselves and become able to sell more effectively. Luton’s high streets are a home to variety of businesses and this programme is open to them all.

In today’s post pandemic, disruptive and fast-changing business environment, more businesses than ever will look to prepare for the future and set their path for success.

Luton Future High Streets programme will improve your skill set, support you and give you the knowledge you need to run a successful business.

The programme is designed for:

• • High street businesses that are looking to diversify their products and services
  • Business owners who are looking to grow their businesses
  • High street businesses who are looking for ways to market and sell more effectively
  • Entrepreneurs who want to start up a new high street business
  • Innovators who are looking to introduce new product/service into the market
  • Those who are looking to build new initiatives and concepts for social and community benefit
  • Start-ups that are looking to take their venture to the next level
  • Senior managers leading a venture within organisations or looking to build an entrepreneurial business culture

Luton Future High Streets programme offers your business:

1. 1. Tailored one-to-one support – Dedicated sessions with experts to help you grow, adapt and develop your business.
   2. Workshops – 10 sessions with business experts which cover visual displays, marketing and social media, e-commerce, sales, food handling, legal requirements, leadership and website creation.
   3. Peer-to-peer support – Share your experience and best practice and learn from others.
   4. Networking – In person events which can help build your network and spread the word about your business.
   5. Dedicated programme platform – Catch up on missed workshop, share useful information, post questions and get access to programme materials through a dedicated online platform.
   6. Suitable delivery times – All sessions to be delivered in the evenings and around your daily commitments.
   7. Expert led programme – Programme is designed and delivered by experienced entrepreneurs.

Benefit to you:

• • Prepare your business for the future
  • Learn how to attract and build new customer base
  • Build and transform your marketing skills 
  • Discover how to improve your physical and online retail space
  • Gain the knowledge to sell your idea effectively
  • Develop and access professional networks
  • One-to one consultations and mentoring
  • Access to expert workshops

Delivery:

The programme will be delivered over 2 month period starting in December and finishing at the end of January 2022. There will be a short gap for Christmas and New Year holidays. Please note that there are a limited number of places available and the application process will close on Friday, the 17^th December 2021.

Participants will get to attend a variety of sessions, expert talks and networking events. The programme is delivered and managed by experienced entrepreneurs that have launched and operated businesses on the high street. Participants will receive extensive support and mentoring from individuals that have previously been on the same journey. Through peer-to-peer learning and external partner support participants will be able to develop their skills, knowledge and expand their professional network.

Luton Future High Street Programme partners are Luton Council, Luton BID, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Bury Park Business Forum, University of Bedfordshire, South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership and The Mall Luton.

The programme is delivered on behalf of Luton Council and is part of the High Street Adaption and Resilience ARG support. Hub 109 is the company contracted to deliver this fully funded programme at no cost to participants.