Dozens of entrepreneurs have pooled ideas on how to boost business in Portishead, with pop-up shops and a High Street day among initial proposals.

Portishead Town Council hosted an event for traders last month, allowing business owners a chance not only to raise concerns but also share knowledge and expertise with like-minded firms.

Representatives from close to 30 businesses took part in the meeting, which will become a regular fixture every quarter at the Folk Hall.

Shared business space and an open business weekend were among many ideas proposed at the inaugural event, as entrepreneurs took the chance to network and explore the possibility of collaborating with other businesses.

Cllr Caroline Goddard, who orchestrated the meeting, said it was an 'extremely positive' exercise.

She continued: "We were a little disappointed more businesses did not come along, but this is just the start of things to come.

"Moving forward, the town council expects to be working closely with the Portishead Chamber of Commerce and members of the local business community to help businesses in the town thrive, while also attracting new businesses to the town."

One of the prominent issues raised was the decline of independent traders in the town in the face of increasing numbers of chain business.

The town council hopes it can work with national firms to ensure they give back to the community while developing initiatives to nurture Portishead's fledgling firms.

Cllr Goddard added: "If we all do some joined up thinking here and work together I am in no doubt all the Portishead business community can benefit, which in turn will benefit the whole town.

"The new council promised to help make a difference in the town and that is exactly what we are working on."

The meeting was part of the town council's growing efforts to engage with the community, and the authority has already held forums on transport and environmental issues.

Cllr Goddard has encouraged anybody with ideas of how to support Portishead's business community to get in touch by sending an email to caroline.goddard@portishead.gov.uk