A new report has been released about what high streets need to survive and see continued growth, development and success. Linking into the future proofing of these assets to remain a vital part of communities and places. Aiding SMEs to move away from a solely offline platform into having a physical presence.
This report issued on Monday 5th August has followed many months of work speaking with small businesses, council teams, and policymakers. Close work with the economic development teams from across Leicestershire, Northants and Rutland helped develop this report. These organisations all took part in FSB roundtables last year on this work.
Some key outcomes of the report are:
* 27% of high street small businesses provide delivery or shipping services
* 49% of high street businesses say that parking facilities in their local high street area are poorly managed
* 69% of local businesses say there are vacant units on their local high street
* 49 per cent of local ethnic minority small business owners say their business is located in or close to a super-diverse high street
* 36 per cent of women owned high street small businesses regularly engage with local business groups or community groups in relation to their high street
* A third (34%) of local businesses say reduced ability to accept cash payments in the future would pose one of the biggest risks to their local high street.
If you are a business and are looking for support that is already in place contact the Growth Hub here
The report provided recommendations that could prove pivotal in making sure that high street businesses continue to be a presence in the community. Whilst providing key services and a unique offer.
Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses. Creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes and providing accessible public toilets. Form some of the recommendations aimed at local government to help the East Midlands’ small firms thrive and grow.
Read the full report here
FSB is a non-profit, non-party-political organisation, founded in 1974. Offering its members a wide range of vital business services. Including advice, financial expertise, and business support. We give small businesses and the self-employed a powerful voice heard by Government and all of the main political parties. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow our national campaigning account on X (formerly Twitter): @fsb_policy or LinkedIn or on local accounts Facebook, X and Jennifer Thomas on LinkedIn.
