Create, Style, Sell programme to support creatives and local retailers
Wednesday 24 June 2026
The opportunity to develop skills and confidence in merchandising and retail environments is possible for individuals looking to work in this sector through the new ‘Create, Style, Sell’ programme.
Independent retailers, artisan makers, craft businesses, market traders, self‑employed creatives across Mid and East Antrim may also apply. New starts and existing staff are supported.
Delivered by the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership, this dynamic programme made up of three standalone, but complementary sessions, can help participants enhance their retail presence, attract customers and increase sales.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships develop targeted employment action plans for each council area, enabling local and regional collaboration to help people prepare for and access meaningful work.
The Create, Style, Sell programme will be delivered this August. Participants can attend individual workshops or complete the full three‑stage programme to maximise learning and development opportunities.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, discussing the programme said: “We are running this programme to help individuals and small businesses attract customers, increase sales and deliver an improved customer experience. Each session promises to be practical, engaging and hands‑on, equipping participants with the tools and confidence to enhance their visual merchandising and retail display techniques.
“At the end of the programme, or selected sessions, participants will have gained a range of skills such as more effective sales conversion techniques, event styling expertise and the ability to create engaging retail environments.”
The programme will also help participants build stronger connections with customers, improve confidence in customer engagement and enhance overall retail performance through more effective customer interactions.
Create, Style, Sell is open to MEA residents aged 18+ with the right to work in the UK, who are unemployed, economically inactive or working fewer than 21 hours per week.
The programme is managed by Creating Retail Magic. To register your interest, please email your contact details, including address and postcode, to lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk, quoting ‘Create, Style, Sell Programme’ in the subject line.
For further information, contact the MEA Labour Market Partnership team at the email address above.