Bill Grimsy former boss of Wickes, Iceland and Focus DIY and author of “Sold Out” a comprehensive review of the High Street will be visiting Lampeter this Thursday to discuss the challenges which are facing town centres.

The Grimsy review is an in-depth report based on forty five years’ experience in retail in which he exposes the reasons for the decline of the High Street and highlights factors which have never been explored before.

In this event organised by Antur Teifi in conjunction with the Lampeter Chamber of Trade, he will offer an insight into how local towns - including Cardigan, Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn - need to find community based solutions to regenerate the area.

A number of shop closures in Lampeter recently have prompted business owners to spring into action in order to bring back shoppers.

Josie Smith, Chair of the Lampeter Chamber of Trade said “In February we had a lot of empty shops in Lampeter, all concentrated around the centre of town, but many great new shops have opened and with the introduction of The Lampeter Loyalty Card, business has definitely picked up. The combination of interesting independent shops makes Lampeter a very attractive town. However we still have a long way to go”

Dewi Williams, Managing Director of Antur Teifi is also looking forward to learning about Bill Grimsy’s insights and ideas which he hope will stimulate a valuable discussion about what can be done to support town centres. “Antur Teifi’s roots are very much in the Teifi Valley and we believe we have a valuable contribution to make whilst supporting local businesses in driving economic change in the area” he said.

Ahead of his visit Bill Grimsey said "The pace of change in retailing has never been so fast and towns that recognise this by setting out a long term vision to prepare their High Street for the 21st Century will prosper. Lampeter has recognised the need for change and is addressing the future in a sensible dynamic way"

Josie Smith added “We are all very much looking forward to Bill Grimsey’s visit and to welcoming business people from other towns within the Teifi Valley to join us. It is important to work together”.

The event will take place at Lampeter Rugby Club at 5.30p.m. and followed by an open discussion chaired by Dylan Iorwerth, Managing Editor of Welsh language magazine GOLWG.

The Welsh Government are promoting the “Support Your High Street” campaign during the 20-27th September and so Bill Grimsey’s visit will be a timely addition to the activities planned by Lampeter during the week which include a Loyalty Hunt and a Make It Together Festival on Saturday 4th October.