Barnes Town Centre Manager

Business Direct - March 2019

There are currently three Town Centre Manager posts around the borough, in addition to local BIDS and the Business Associations in each town. Town Centre managers are local officials, part funded by the Council and the local business community. Their job is to take a proactive role in the revival of our town centres through project delivery, partnership working and developing new ideas and initiatives. Over the next few months we are going to be meeting a host of business representatives, giving you an insight into each person and organisation – hopefully giving a little bit of inspiration for the future!

Meet Emma Robinson, the Town Centre Manager for Barnes..……

How long have you been the Town Centre Manager for Barnes?

I took on the role of Town Centre Manager in 2012 and over the last five years have driven a multi-faceted community initiative to empower residents to improve the high street and the local area with the aim of shaping an attractive destination. I have 15 years’ experience in public relations and communications.  

What does your role involve?

My role is very varied and ranges from helping a local shop with a planning application to support their plans to grow their business to working with a team of residents on a fundraising event.  The role includes devising strategies to encourage residents to shop locally and to bring visitors in, filling empty retail sites, encouraging communication and networking between local businesses, campaigning on issues of importance to residents e.g. slowing down speed limits and influencing decision-makers at all levels about Barnes issues amongst many, many other things.

What are some of the difficulties you face in the job and what do you enjoy best about your role?

One of the major challenges of the role, and that which I haven’t yet managed to overcome, is working with local landlords to fill retail sites with the businesses that will boost the local economy.  It is very difficult to persuade landlords to engage and, when they do, often our idea of the kind of businesses that we want is very different to theirs.

I love the flexibility and variety of the role.  It is challenging and interesting and I have the autonomy to make my own decisions as to what I do and how I do it.

How does the trade in your local area compare to other towns across the borough?

Barnes is unusual in that we have a high percentage of independent businesses, paying high rents, yet we have low footfall, particularly during the week.  Our residents are also very active internet shoppers. Businesses rely heavily on the custom of residents.  Our challenge is to bring in more people from neighbouring villages to boost their sales.

What new events/activities are planned in your area during 2019?

Barnes has a full annual events calendar with regular features such as the Barnes Fair, the Barnes Food Fair and the Barnes Charity Fashion Show and the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival.  This year we hope to add a series of new outdoor cinema events on the green, the Barnes Big Picture Show.

What is the biggest challenge for your local area and what are you doing to overcome the challenge?

The biggest challenge is keeping footfall up for the local businesses.  We have a destination marketing campaign, Barnes Day Out, which targets neighbouring residents via social media with all that Barnes has to offer.

Any advice for new business owners just getting started in your area?

Do your local research first!  I am constantly amazed by the number of businesses opening without knowing anything about the local area including competitors.

If you would like to get in touch with Emma, email emma@barnes-ca.org.

Contact us

If you would like to feature in our next Business Direct newsletter, email business@richmond.gov.uk