A major retail event is being held tomorrow to encourage Brighton and Hove's 1,500 independent traders to modernise.

The Retail Revolution, at Brighton Dome, aims to give small shopkeepers the technical know-how to compete with bigger companies.

The Brighton City Centre Business Forum, which is organising the event, says independent retailers must change to secure their long-term survival.

Small and unusual shops characterise much of Brighton but large franchises are setting up in increasing numbers, noticeably in The Lanes.

The forum wants independent retailers to use software to control stocks instead of pen and paper.

By doing so, it claims, they will be able to increase profits in boom periods and reduce storage costs during quieter spells.

Colleen Slater, who runs homeware shop Pyramid in Kensington Gardens, has installed an electronic point of sale system (EPOS) to manage stocks and sales.

She has been running her business for 18 years and remembers a time when she used her garden shed to store excess stock.

She said: "We thought we had a good idea of what sold well and what didn't but now we know for sure we no longer need to have money tied up in excess stock.

"The EPOS system has made a tremendous difference to the way we work. We spend less time counting stock and writing down sales. The main benefit for me is being able to transfer the information to my office or home computer so I can work away from the shop."

The Lawrence Art Shop in Portland Road, Hove, was established 145 years ago but is now firmly in the 21st Century.

Since taking over the family business in 1985 Martin Lawrence has introduced technology years ahead of his peers.

In the mid-Eighties, the shop was one of the first to introduce an EPOS system and, in 1996, one of the first to start trading online.

In the past eight years the shop has sold to customers from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, America and the Far East.

Mr Lawrence said: "The internet will never replace the need for the personal interaction we have with most of our customers.

"But it is important to offer options. We can offer a friendly family service to the people who want that and the quick button- clicking approach for those who prefer to do business that way."

Soozie Campbell, forum member and city centre manager, said: "It is vitally important small traders improve their skills. They are the heart and soul of Brighton."

The event, part-funded by Sussex Enterprise, is free and takes place at the Dome in Church Street from 11am to 7pm.

Monday April 26, 2004