TRADERS in Radcliffe are at the forefront of a groundbreaking twinning scheme to link up with retailers across Europe.

The project began in Radcliffe last week and is aimed at improving the competitiveness of small retailers.

It will allow shopkeepers across the continent to exchange methods of best practice on issues ranging from managing security, maximising profit and improving customer service.

Radcliffe Area Board chairman Coun Barry Briggs, said: "The opportunity for learning from other people's experiences of trading in a competitive environment is crucial to developing a successful local economy in Radcliffe.

"It indicates our determination to provide our traders with the support they need as we work together to develop a town that has a positive appeal based on an uniqueness which differentiates us from our competitors."

Led by Manchester Metropolitan University's Business School and backed by Bury Council, more than 50 retailers stand to benefit from the initiative. Already a research team has met with them to investigate factors affecting their success.

Besides exchanging information on methods of best practice with their European counterparts, Radcliffe's retailers will also gain access to free training products for the small retail sector, which are not yet available on the market.

One such product is Netrepreneur, a revolutionary computer program which allows the user to learn about trading on the Internet by encouraging them to create a website from scratch quickly and easily without any prior knowledge of computer programming.

Coun Tim Chamberlain, the council's executive member for regeneration and housing said: "This project is important in developing a local capacity for setting the agenda for the future direction of Radcliffe's economy. Working with European counterparts will give Radcliffe Traders Association an opportunity to take a fresh look at how they operate and how they can affect the regeneration of the town."

And Heather Clark, the council's economic strategy officer feels that the programme will be useful in generating different ideas as to how Radcliffe can become more competitive.

It is expected that improved understanding of the complex factors affecting the socio-economic health of Radcliffe's main retail district are also anticipated to filter down to the town centre's visitors and the quality of life of residents.

The seal of approval has been given by the Radcliffe Traders' Association, which will form a steering group to help co-ordinate the twinning scheme.