Global payments service provider SumUp today announces it has partnered with the UK’s fastest-growing small business network and business support provider, Enterprise Nation, in a bid to create the next generation of high street entrepreneurs.

With an empty shop on London’s famous Oxford Street set to become the backdrop for a new retail ‘school’, the Hello, World initiative is a comprehensive package of retail support from Enterprise Nation and SumUp, which will give more than 45 UK retailers the chance to pick-up new skills to help transform the post-pandemic high street.

Early stage and start-up brands will pop-up in the Oxford Street store during May, be schooled in cutting edge, experiential retail, and learn how to construct an effective hybrid approach to selling.

This will include online resources such as research into consumer habits, how to attract footfall into stores, and building ever stronger connections with customers who have purchased from and supported small businesses over the past year. 

The partnership hopes the scheme will help retailers learn how to combine effective online sales with engaging and safe, high street experiences.

Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “There is no doubt this is an extraordinary moment for British high streets. To say they have changed beyond recognition would be an understatement.

“It’s clear what happens next will be crucial in shaping their future.  While our high streets might look bleak right now with an exodus of large retailers, small businesses are preparing to return.

“The question on all our lips is ‘will it work?’ - this initiative is designed specifically to give them a good grounding to help small firms re-take the high street.”

Alex Von Schirmeister, Executive Vice President for Europe at SumUp, says: “Helping small businesses to find new ways to connect with their customers is even more relevant as we move out of this pandemic.

“Shopping behaviours will be different and transactions will evolve as people focus on hygiene. This initiative will help firms unravel what has happened, process what works, and build a new hybrid solution to the way we all operate."

“We’re determined to support and empower small businesses as they move towards what will become the next new normal.”

Figures from retail data company Springboard show "pent up demand from shoppers for bricks and mortar stores" which supports its forecast for "a significant uplift in footfall" now retail is open. Footfall is expected to boom by up to 50%.

The campaign will combine free online support with safe experiential, hybrid retail delivery.

Brands will be able to access the Oxford Street shop for as little as a day or a specified number of days and can opt to take it over solo or collaborate with other brands for a one-off fee. The shop is in collaboration with retail pop-up specialist Sook.

Founder John Hoyle added: “We need to re-think the way the high street operates and give start-ups and new businesses short-term, frictionless access for brand-building and experiential opportunities without the need for long-term financial commitment.”

The news follows research from Enterprise Nation that almost three-quarters of small firms (68%)  are already making firm plans to return to physical selling.

For details on how to get involved in Hello, World, please visit: www.enterprisenation.com/hello-world/resources.