The unLTD social returned last month for the first time since the pandemic, and what an afternoon it was.
After spending so long away from the office – and each other – it was amazing to see so many people in one room together, laughing, eating and drinking – and of course discussing business.
Held at The Furnace in Sheffield city centre, the event focused on shopping locally and how we can continue supporting our high streets and independent retailers, especially after two very difficult years of lockdowns, closures and curfews.
The panel featured a range of retail and planning experts, from Chloe Parmenter at Urbana to Andrew Slater from Reyt Good Illustrations, and Sally Pepper from Business Sheffield.
The Q&A was hosted by unLTD news and features editor Brogan Maguire and invited a lively debate around what individuals, the council, and other organisations can do to ensure our towns and cities can thrive.
From better transport links around all of Sheffield’s suburbs, to lower rent prices for independents in our town and city centres, a number of options were discussed.
Chloe Parmenter said: “It’s about making cities and place-shaping, which is what we do, and making sure that we are planning cities for the people that live there, not the opposite way round because that doesn’t work.
“It’s about creating environments – the feeling of inclusion when you walk down the street and you feel that tightness when you’re there and that you’ve arrived at a destination. But that also gives you the opportunity to dress a street up for occasions or events.
“Maybe it’s about connecting suburbs to the city centre and to each other a bit better and creating that route for them.”
From an independent retailer perspective, Andrew Slater said “opportunity and affordability” were the most important factors in ensuring our high streets survive.
He added: “I think we need to make sure we offer more spaces specifically for independents and make sure the price is reasonable enough that they don’t have to gamble their houses just to make a go of it. We need to give them the chance to get their name out there and show off what they have to offer without them having to risk everything to do it.”
And Sally Pepper, who offers advice and coaching to small businesses, said the key was to introduce more multi-purpose venues where retail, food and drink, and creative companies could come together, giving customers everything they need in one place.
“I think flexible space is something to watch for,” she added. “You know, space that isn’t just one thing or another, but it solves lots of issues for different economies and different sectors of the community.”
With so many interesting ideas thrown around and questions raised by the audience, it’s not hard to see why the event was so well received by the guests in attendance.
unLTD has now reached its 50th issue in just five years, and its loyal following has recognised its importance to the business community within the Sheffield City Region every step of the way.
Rich Davies, business development manager at Highlander, said: “It was great to attend unLTD’s first social event for over two years at The Furnace recently.
“Meeting lots of new faces as well as some familiar ones was a pleasure after so long and it was lovely to share a drink, a chat and a few nibbles.
“With the focus on independents, shopping locally and investing in our high streets, it was interesting to hear from the panel on how important they are to Sheffield’s economy and how they are growing in our suburbs right now. A great event and looking forward to the next one already!”
The next unLTD social is on Thursday, June 16 at The Furnace and tickets will be available on Eventbrite ahead of the event.
If you would like to be part of the panel at one of our events, email brogan@hrmedia.org.uk or dan@unltdbusiness.com
