QUEEN of shops Mary Portas has urged retailers to stay passionate about their high street and fight for it.

The retail consultant pleaded with businessowners to back Amber Abraham, who at 21 is the youngest ever chairman of Frinton Business Group, in her quest to boost involvement in the organisation.

The pair met at the Spring Fair home and gift show at Birmingham’s NEC where Mrs Abrahams asked how to make people more enthusiastic about town events and joining Frinton Business Group.

Speaking on camera, Mary urged businessowners to give Mrs Abrahams, owner of Spinning Strawberry in Connaught Avenue, an hour of their time.

She said: “She’s helping you for free to help you get footfall down your high street.

“Now please give her an hour of your time because I’m going to be following how successful you are, and then I’m going to be visiting you.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Expert - Mary Portas. Ian West/PA Photos.

Up to 30 people usually attend a Frinton Business Group meeting but despite the town doing well, Mrs Abrahams is keen to attract more numbers.

Since she became chairman last year, she has attempted to break the group away from its previous more formal reputation as the Chamber of Commerce but has hit a stumbling block.

She said: “While Mary was doing her speech at the trade fair she mentioned it being important to be part of a local business group, which is what interested me.

“My focus is on increasing footfall into Frinton so the more people we have on board, the easier that will be. We’d just like people to come to the meetings or even send us an email with their thoughts because we have ideas for small events during the summer like town-wide treasure hunts.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Innovative - Amber Abrahams inside Spinning Strawberry

The start of the year has been successful for Spinning Strawberry and forward-thinking Mrs Abrahams has shifted her key products from gifts to children’s toys.

She said: “Mary’s advice was to create a platform on Facebook or something like that where the businesses can join in, but she also said there would be a few people who shrug their shoulders and don’t want anything to do with it, but to not get disheartened.

“Just keep up the enthusiasm, keep the meetings regular and it will grow.”

Anyone wanting to get involved can contact Frinton Business Group by emailing rintonbusinesses@gmail.com.