LG Harris has joined forces with retail veteran Bill Grimsey to launch a new marketing campaign to support small, independent retailers across the country.
The decorating products manufacturer and Mr Grimsey, who produced the report on the struggling high street - 'The Grimsey Review', will work together to stand up for Britain's independent retailers and help drive the public back on to the high street.

The campaign will begin in December; it will initially involve LG Harris working with a selection of retailers to provide website creation, develop search engine optimisation and social media strategies, as well as product training and help with POS material. This programme will be tested and then rolled out over the following months.

The company supplies a variety of DIY/home improvement retailers, including large, small, out-of-town and high street stores.

Harris's Stuart Hobbs said it is "delighted to invest in the independent retailers", many of whom have served its customers for years. "We are determined to support them and ensure they stay on the map and represent the best the high street has to offer," he added.

"Customers respond to two things; firstly their experience and secondly to convenience. We can help our high street retailers make full use of web technology and we are confident that this will make a very real difference.

"In addition, we will provide a programme of training for these independent retailers and give them the opportunity to meet senior figures within our organisation who are keen to share best practice," said Mr Hobbs.

David Dunn, from Stamford-based Harrison & Dunn, an independent retailer who is working with LG Harris, said: "We're very much looking forward to working with Harris on this joint project and being part of the campaign to encourage consumers to support our UK high streets."

Bill Grimsey, who has an extensive knowledge of the retail industry, experience in the DIY sector and a real passion for making the high street a better place, said: "This is an excellent initiative and others should follow the example. Our high streets and especially independent retailers will need all the support they can get as mobile technology develops and customers look to be connected to their high street electronically. I fully support Harris with this exercise."

Mr Grimsey has called for a reform on business rates as part of his ongoing support of the independents - see his latest 'Talking Point' entry on diyweek.net.