With just four months to go until the big day, Skillsmart Retail has launched the 2013 Independents' Day campaign.
In the run up to July 4, independent retailers will be encourage to download campaign posters, celebrate the day in their stores and join forces with other retailers and town centre teams to hold special events and encourage the country to shop in independent stores.

The campaign, launched for the first time last year, champions diversity on the high street whilst also recognising the skills behind the shop front. This year, Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with trade associations including bira, the National Association of Goldsmiths, Entertainment Retailers Association, as well as the Independent Retailer Month campaign.

This last partnership means Independents' Day will celebrate alongside Independent Retailer Month throughout the whole of July, with events and activities aiming to re-connect local people with local traders.

And, for the first time, this year a package of training and business support will be offered to independent retailers to help them acquire and improve the essential skills needed to grow their business.

Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail Jane Rexworthy said: "We are delighted to lead this campaign to celebrate diversity in retail. Independents' Day aims to highlight the huge range of skills successful independent retailers need to make our towns and cities such interesting and varied places to visit and shop.

"The National Skills Academy for Retail offers a wide range of support directly to retailers to help them get ahead. It's essential independent retailers understand that to compete today they have to have the best people as well as products, and that training and development can really make a difference.

"We recognise how vital small shops are to a healthy high street and we are making it easier for them to access schemes such as Apprenticeships. Over the next few months we want to encourage independent retailers to get behind this campaign and ensure their skills are top notch so they are ready for Independents' Day."