Portraits to help independent retailers

By Sarah Portlock
BBC News Birmingham

Launching a new business can be a risky business at the best of times.

The exhibition features staff in traditional poses: Pic Steve Gerrard

But opening a new shop during an economic struggle is taking even more of a gamble.

Former pastry chef Ken Harrison, 31, who opened a branch of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shop in Birmingham just over a year ago, said his business was not doing so badly, despite a drop in the luxury end of his market.

However, he is taking part in a scheme to support his fellow independent retailers, as he said he needed the businesses around him to do well too.

In a bid to promote independent retailers in the city, a new open-air exhibition has been launched.

Organised by Retail Birmingham, an organisation which aims to improve the area for city centre retailers, the exhibition features more than 40 portraits of Birmingham's shopkeepers.

'Under-promoted areas'

The collection, photographed by local man Steve Gerrard, has been inspired by the tradition of shopkeepers being photographed in front of their stores.

Tailors Rosen and Nathan have a store since 1899: Pic Steve Gerrard

"I hope it will highlight areas of the city which I think are under-promoted," Mr Harrison said.

"It seems to be all Bullring, Bullring, Bullring."

The Bullring is the city's big 160-store shopping centre and a popular destination with shoppers.

Mr Harrison's shop is in the Great Western Arcade, a range of about 40 mostly independent retailers.

He has seen a lot of them struggle.

"Business has slowed up for me too," he said.

"People are still coming in and spending but on smaller items.

"Our luxury items have fallen but we have seen a lot of footfall and more people spending between £5 and £10 rather than spending £20, for example.

"But a lot of retailers are struggling.

"Those who sell luxury items and exclusive stuff - they are the ones finding it hard."

Big brands

He said he hoped the exhibition would help them out.

"For us to survive, we need others to survive," said Mr Harrison.

"It's not just about how we are doing, we need the other businesses to do well as well or nobody will come into the arcade."

The Bullring shopping centre is not to everyone's taste

The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce is also hoping the exhibition will provide a boost.

"Anything which focuses on the independents is very good," a spokesman said.

"Birmingham has a lot of big brands, such as Debenhams and Harvey Nichols, but the independents are important for shaping the character of a city centre."

Like every business in the current economic climate independent retailers are finding it tough, he added.

"Everyone is trying to keep their heads above water and we are seeing businesses closing daily.

"We hope the independent retailers can tough it out."

The exhibition is running throughout July in High Street and New Street, Birmingham.