New report sets out plan to boost high street businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses has unveiled a package of recommendations which it believes will help transform life for small businesses on the high street.

Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes and providing accessible public toilets are some of the recommendations contained within the FSB’s The Future of the High Street report.

It calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street.

A total of 39% of high street small businesses across the UK say the availability of affordable commercial space is important for the future of an area.

Ensuring temporary spaces are available will not only help fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch on the high street.

The report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, also suggests a specialised fund to support a mobile phone-based loyalty programme for high street firms and launching community-specific online marketplaces to showcase local shops and services.

The research highlights the need for well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets and family-friendly services like creche facilities on our high streets, encouraging visitors to stay longer, upping footfall and supporting the local economy.

Jennifer Thomas, development manager for FSB, said: “It’s important that small firms across the East Midlands are provided with the right environment, infrastructure and flexibility to be successful – and in turn help grow their local economy.

“From the core high street issues of business rates, parking and transport to more innovative asks, this report sets out a raft of recommendations to try to revive our town and city centres and ensure our small businesses are well supported.

To read the full report visit https://www.fsb.org.uk/resource-report/the-future-of-the-high-street.html .