Cllr Will Russell, Brentwood West's Conservative councillor, is urging the Kings Road and Warley Hill traders to give their views on what needs to be done to improve out of town centre shopping and footfall to the neighbourhood shops.
Cllr Russell, who owns and runs the award winning hair salon Vega Hairdressing on Kings Road, is holding a meeting for a traders meeting next week to discuss improvements to the amenity of the area and gain feedback on how traders feel money from Brentwood's Renaissance Fund for the area could be best spent.
Cllr Russell said, "I have invited a guest speaker to give traders advice on how they can save money on their utility bills. I will be suggesting ways that by working together, we can make savings whilst improving customer care and retaining customer loyalty."
The meeting comes at a time when traders on Kings Road and Warley Hill are fearing the Tesco store, which is due to open on the site of the former Warley Tavern, will affect their business.
Cllr Russell added:
"I realize that not all will embrace the arrival of Tesco, but as one of around fifty hairdressing salons in Brentwood I am only too aware of how healthy competition can affect a business. I would like to help Kings Road and Warley Hill traders appreciate their own unique selling points, and how they can offer the individual customer service which will ensure they will continue to thrive, whoever moves into the trading area."
Brentwood Borough Council Leader, Cllr Louise McKinlay is supporting Cllr Russell in his work.
"It is all too easy to create a flurry of concern on social media," said Cllr McKinlay. "But Cllr Will Russell is taking a practical approach to the possible arrival of Tesco, and offering genuine advice and support to his fellow traders on Kings Road and Warley Hill. We are very fortunate in Brentwood to have so many independent shops, and the Conservative administration is keen to support them, while also appreciating competition can be, and is, a healthy challenge."
Councillor Will Russell has written to Tesco offering them to chance to join the local traders group so good communication between all parties can be established and maintained.