LEGI Coventry (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) has unveiled a brand new stall at Coventry’s historic Market. The stall has been set up on the suggestion of delighted market traders after they received a range of business support services and special funding by LEGI, enabling stallholders to raise the profile of their businesses.

Not only will LEGI’s new stall provide a central hub of advice for market traders when the stall is manned, it will also serve as an easily accessible information point during market hours as a range of leaflets and information will be on hand people for interested in setting up or growing their business.

LEGI’s ongoing work with the Market first began in December 2007 when LEGI Business Coaches approached stallholders to discuss the potential benefits on offer. Traders are now continuing to benefit from one-to-one business support sessions where they can carry out business reviews and gain access to specialist business support services.

One of the stallholders already benefitting from the scheme, Bill Duffin who owns the Shoekings stall, has had his business based at Coventry Market since it opened in 1958. Offering a range of shoes and slippers designed for the elderly, Bill is using his grant to market his goods to a wider audience. He comments; “As one of the original tenants of the market we’ve seen how times have changed; e-commerce and the rise of big out-of-town shopping centres has meant it’s much more difficult to compete with bigger retailers.

“But the advice and funding we’ve received from LEGI has meant we’ve been able to create 10,000 product brochures that we can distribute to care homes and give to our regular customers. We’re confident that this will be a positive step to generating more business and attracting more customers to the Market. Not only that, but we’re also building a website which we hope will bring even more opportunities – it’s something we never could have done without LEGI’s support.”

Cllr Gary Ridley, Chair of LEGI Board and Cabinet Member (City Development), adds: “Coventry Market has been a major part of city life for 50 years and I’m delighted that LEGI is providing funding and support to the wide range of traders based there.

"The market plays a vital role in our city and our economy and LEGI offers a wealth of business advice for budding entrepreneurs and independent retailers who want to grow their business. I’m sure the LEGI stall in the market will be a real hit, making the support on offer even easier to access."