High Street Heroes: Free Support for Independent Retailers Across South Yorkshire

Running a business on the high street is not easy. Between serving customers, managing stock, dealing with rising costs and trying to keep up online, many shop owners simply do not have the time or support they need to grow their business with confidence.

That is why High Street Heroes has been created.

High Street Heroes is a fully funded programme from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), designed to support independent retailers and high street businesses across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

The programme offers free, practical support to help local shop owners attract customers, strengthen their online presence, and build long-term loyalty. Everything is explained in plain English, with no jargon and no pressure.

What Support Is Available?

Over the coming months, High Street Heroes will offer a range of hands-on support, including:

Workshops (full-day and half-day) covering topics such as:

• Creating content using your mobile phone

• Building a brand that customers remember

• Understanding and improving your website

• Boosting your online presence in simple, affordable ways

One-to-one follow-up support with specialists in:

• Marketing

• Branding

• Websites

Opportunities to connect with other local shop owners to share ideas and experiences.

Clear signposting to further support and resources where relevant.

All sessions are free to attend and are designed around the realities of running a busy high street business, including limited time, tight budgets, and the need for ideas that actually work.

How to Get Involved

To take part, simply register your interest via the High Street Heroes page on the SYMCA website:

👉 https://business.southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk/high-street-heroes

Once registered, you will receive updates about upcoming workshops, locations, and how to book onto sessions near you. There is no obligation to attend. You can choose the support that feels most useful for your business.

High Street Heroes is delivered by Novus Marketing Solutions and funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). We look forward to supporting South Yorkshire’s high streets over the coming months.