by Jess Savage, Creative ManagerThe UK Digital Retail Innovation Centre (UK:DRIC) was revealed today, with the ribbon being cut by the Minister for Digital and Creative Industries Margot James MP and the Chair of GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Dr Diane Savory OBE.
The UK:DRIC will be working with large and independent retailers to help them develop and apply best practice and upskill. Gloucester provides an exemplary location where solutions have been tested and resolved quickly.
Two projects currently being implemented are those being developed by Rewarding Visits, which was granted £1 million from the UK Government, Innovate UK funding, and Maybe*, a patent-pending AI-powered solution that has been a contributor to the DCLG, Great British High Street Project. Both of these are operating within the digital high street environment with the aim of encouraging purchasing to be made in bricks and mortar business rather than online.
““In our research of European cities with a positive focus towards digital technologies, especially those involving small retailers, Gloucester is an excellent example. This city recognises the need for an independent, third party enabler… providing a long-term, single point of contact, developing the relevant digital and physical infrastructure with multiple means of access for customers and retailers, while utilising simple tools, all within a strategy for “place” that encompasses the individual flavour provided by local retailers and services.”
Read the full story at Business Innovation Magazine.
