Truro’s traders turned out in force last week to bring together independent retailers and businesses with a common desire for improvement and change in the city.

More than 40 traders came together to create the Truro Retail Group, a sub-group of Truro Chamber of Commerce representing a broad spectrum of local businesses and the vibrancy they bring to Truro.

The group has members from food, interiors and fashion retailers; coffee shops, restaurants and street food, as well as independent marketers and event organisers who want to improve the retail experience in Truro.

Victoria Amran, the group's chair, who runs The Cornish Food Box Company, said: “We’ve been chatting with other businesses about things we would like to see done better in Truro for the last few years”

“Truro is undergoing massive changes at the moment. These changes affect everyone but especially those of us who earn our living by running businesses in the city. We believe that we have a much stronger voice by working together creatively and positively for Truro and the experience the customers have when they visit.”

“We all want the same things: a place to shop, to socialise and for customers to have choice, and know where to find it. I feel strongly that Truro has a lot to offer and if we work together we will see improvements that will benefit both the businesses and customers.”

The group is meeting monthly at The Caff, a cosy café behind the Cornish Food Box. In a fitting nod to history, the building was once a meeting place for the Socialist Working Party and words written to inspire the audience present are still visible on the beams today.

Chambers of Commerce are a business network whose goal is to further the interest of local businesses and their owners. Truro's is the oldest serving chamber in Cornwall and has been working since 1887 when Truro gained city status. In recent years, the chamber has reintroduced Christmas lights to the city and works closely with the Business Improvement District scheme.

Secret Truro blogger and Truro CC executive member, Amanda Williams, said: “The energy and enthusiasm of the meeting was infectious. It really does feel as we have started an exciting journey.”

“The next meeting will be held at The Cornish Food Box Company at 6pm on Monday 16th May and is open to any business in the city.”

If you run a business in Truro and would like details of future meetings, or to enquire about joining the group, you can email tor@thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk