A CAMPAIGN designed to change opinions of the Cotswolds is holding its next big event in November.

Cotswolds’ Retails Rocks was launched in 2014 as a colourful and creative national campaign to challenge popular misconceptions of the Cotswolds as simply a tourist paradise of rolling vistas and pretty villages.

Its next event will focus on whether 2019 could be the year for independent and national retailers to work together.

The event is being held at the Pittville Pump Rooms in Cheltenham on the morning of Tuesday, November 6, between 8.45am and 12.45pm.

Speakers include John Lewis’ retail designer, Maybe*s Polly Barnfield OBE, restaurant owner and Masterchef finalist Koj and guests from the University of Gloucestershire.

A morning of exploring how retail in the Cotswolds can continue to thrive is planned.

The campaign says: “Shoppers want more than stores. They want experience, leisure and fun.

"Independent retailers understand the value of true customer service, which is more about meeting local need and providing an enjoyable environment to shop, as well as selling local produce or a unique range of goods.

“National retailers undoubtedly help sustain high streets and shoppers will choose to visit the town offering the greatest retail variety. The most popular destinations have good quality national retail chains co-located with diverse, local independent retailers – giving the place a distinct personality.”

It is open to independent and national retailers, brands, suppliers, bars and restaurants, entrepreneurs and all those interested in retail.

Rock the Cotswolds’ co-founder Oli Christie, said: “We want to support the sector, which is a substantial driver of tourism, as well as sustaining the day-to-day lives of those who live and work here. The Cotswolds has a fabulous range of retailers and we want to help showcase their diversity, provide them with expert help and advice, and give them an opportunity – if they want it, to work more closely together to reduce costs and perhaps create new marketing opportunities. There’s strength in numbers.”

To book a place visit rockthecotswolds.com.