By Ellis Butcher

Last updated at 12:00, Wednesday, 08 August 2012

A rallying cry has gone out to traders and businesses to attend what could be the first of a new series of meetings.

Emma Barnes and Joanna Coleman

The first meeting takes place later today and is part of a new push in the Denton Holme business community to work together to promote its corner of the city.

Tonight’s meeting aims to test the appetite of businesses to join forces in a new campaign to stay on the radar of city centre shoppers.

It’s a response to what’s happening in the city centre where business are looking to unite around the Business Improvement District (BID) concept.

BID involves shops and superstores clubbing together and then paying more annual rates to create a pot of money to spend on city centre improvements and joint marketing to customers.

The initial call to action in Denton Holme is being trumpeted by new Carlisle firm, Blonde Marketing and Events.

It is led by marketeers and city women Emma Barnes, 29, and Joanna Coleman, 32.

Emma, of Morton, said: “I have come up with numerous marketing ideas for the area, but will be starting with exclusive networking events for the traders of Denton Holme.

“By getting the traders together, we hope to show them the value of collaborating and getting to know what each other has to offer. If BID is introduced the footfall is going to be concentrated on the city centre, so we want to help the smaller business communities not get lost or forgotten about.”

The hope is to hold monthly events in Denton Holme.

The meeting takes place this evening at 5.45pm at Holme Bistro, Denton Street.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 08 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk