The North Laine Traders Association has been working for over 20 years to promote the North Laine area, share information between the owners of its many shops and watering holes and to represent the interests on different bodies and lobby on their behalf. It is largely due to the work of the NLTA that the North Laine area has preserved its unique and quirky appeal which draws in so many visitors to the City. In the view of the NLTA, North Laine is ‘the soul of the city’.
The NLTA has a fantastic website www.northlaine.co.uk which gets over 80,000 hits a quarter. Here, members can publicise their business and visitors can find all sorts of information about the area’s shops, eating and drinking establishments. A recent addition is an interactive map. Click on any street on the map and you will be taken to a complete list of the shops and attractions on that street. The map is also available as a leaflet and can be found in the tourist information centre, shops and cafes. Due to its popularity the map is on its second print run and the NLTA is looking for new outlets to display it.
For a small annual subscription, members can gain a number of benefits including a free page on the website; discounts on credit card sales; regular opportunities to network, share information and form partnerships with fellow traders; advice on a range of issues including rents, rates and accountancy. Meetings are informal and fun – everyone’s views and involvement are welcome.
Despite the benefits of membership, the NLTA has seen a decrease in membership – possibly due to low awareness among new traders. A recruitment drive is underway to tell people about all the benefits of being an NLTA member culminating in a free party at the Komedia in September to which all North Laine traders (members and non-members), representatives of local residents, business, tourism and Council representatives and local politicians will be invited to meet and talk about the key issues which affect this fabulous part of town.
For more information about the North Laine Traders Association contact info@northlaine.com
Written by Melissa Drayson, Suck it and Sea Sweetshop, 100 Trafalgar Street.
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