Richard Siddle comment April 17

If you scratch below the surface of any successful company then there is usually one common factor that ties them all together - a commitment to and an investment in their staff.Not just platitudes that sound nice or go down well in the annual company report, but a genuine commitment to making their workplace as rewarding and an inspiring place to be as they can.

As a trade magazine we are equally only too aware of our responsibility in investing in the people we write for, the industry we support. We cannot just idly sit back and watch from the sidelines.

This week we introduce a new initiative designed to help, support and hopefully inspire independent merchants. By the nature of their business independents work mainly on their own and operate as mini companies in charge of all their own finance, logistic, buying and recruitment responsibilities. Not many will have been through any official business training prior to opening up shop, and it is their sole responsibility to keep up to date with any new business or employment legislation.

We are launching a new networking initiative for independent merchants to come together, share experiences, and hopefully help each other build and grow their businesses. My experience of the independent sector is the great camaraderie that exists between fellow independents. There is very much we are all in this together mentality that creates an instant bond.

We are looking to bring together a club of the Top 50 Indies, chosen not by their turnover or how many prizes they may have won but by a commitment and a passion to be part of a networking initiative where everyone is equal. The Top 50 Indies is open to any independent and you can either nominate yourself or if you know of a great independent you can put them forward.

If chosen, all we ask is you give up some of your time to come along to some of the events we will be organising across the country over the coming months.

If we can go some way to helping you and your businesses in return, then it will have been an investment worth making.

• Harpers Says...