Quick guide to local business partnerships

There is a wealth of groups in the city and district, working towards a common aim of improving the city centre and boosting the levels of trade.

Here's a 'who's who' guide:

Lichfield District Tourism Association (LDTA) A membership organisation for all tourism related businesses (£25 a year). Run by Visit Lichfield it offers marketing initiatives, reduced price training, networking meetings and more. Call Jonathan Oates, Visit Lichfield, on 01543 308210 or email jonathan.oates@lichfielddc.gov.uk or visit the Lichfield District Tourism Association Website.

Tamworth & Lichfield Business & Economic Partnership (BEP) All businesses in Tamworth and Lichfield District are automatically members of the BEP. It is led by local business people for local businesses, and works alongside Lichfield District and Tamworth Borough councils and other public sector organisations to shape local policies through things like the Economic Development Strategy. It produces a quarterly newsletter and hosts regular networking events. Find out more.

Lichfield Town Team (was formerly called the Lichfield City Centre Co-ordination Group) An open membership city working group that brings together traders and representatives from the district and city councils, local businesses, including Friary Shoes, Tempest Ford, Tudor Row and others. The group meets monthly to discuss ways to improve the city centre, through small projects and other ideas. Email nicky.haycock@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Lichfield City Forum This neighbourhood forum brings together residents and businesses, through a network of local residents' associations and other neighbourhood organisations such as North Lichfield Initiative. Lichfield City Council provides the secretariat and members include the police, fire & rescue service, as well as schools and businesses. Email peter.young@lichfield.gov.uk

Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce A membership organisation for local businesses (£40 a year to join). Members benefit from representation in consultations with local authorities, such as the council and police. Monthly member meetings are hosted so members can share views on local issues. The Chamber also provides the hanging baskets in the city and organises the Christmas Fayre. Call Richard Lewis on 01543 250016 or email lewis_rm@yahoo.co.uk

TownSafe Partnership A membership organisation for city retailers, primarily concerned with crime and safety issues. Provides the Storenet Radio Scheme and the Business Exclusion Scheme. Membership is £100 and members benefit from a book of 'known city shoplifters' and updates. Members can also join the Storenet scheme for a further cost. Call Richard Lewis on 01543 250016 or email lewis_rm@yahoo.co.uk

Local Enterprise Partnerships In the 2010 Local Enterprise Partnerships were established following the closure of Regional Development Agencies.

The two LEPs that cover Lichfield are:

Stoke on Trent Staffordshire LEP www.stokestaffslep.org.uk

Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP www.birmingham.gov.uk/lep

LEPs are locally owned partnerships between local authorities and businesses. They play a central role in determining local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs.