The manager of a revitalised and now vibrant shopping centre will be sharing his ideas to help other businesses at a free networking event later this week.
Chris Ward has helped to reduce vacancy rates and increase footfall at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, in Stoke-on-Trent, in recent years and will be speaking at an event by not-for-profit organisation Connects Network.
The informal event takes place at Genr8, Smithfield Works, in Hanley, from 11am on Thursday, 9 January.
There will also be the chance to ask Chris questions and time for open networking.
A spokesperson for the event said: “Our guest speaker this month is Chris Ward the Centre Manager at Longton Exchange in Stoke-on-Trent.
“With extensive experience managing retail parks, his focus has been on creating a vibrant community hub. Chris’s passion and commitment to engaging with local businesses and the wider community has made the Exchange a beacon of local growth and positivity.
“Whether you’re a local entrepreneur, business owner or organisation, all are welcome to our network meeting, and there are no fees to attend: the meetings are free thanks to generous support from the team at the City Centre BID.”
Twenty-one of the shopping centre’s retail units were empty when Chris took up his role in April 2022 and this number has now reduced to single figures. Footfall since then has increased by more than 30 per cent.
The shopping centre also hosts numerous community initiatives and events throughout the year.
For more information about the networking event, or to book a slot, click here.
