Small businesses call for urgent help to revitalise high streets

A major new report, Streets Ahead, from the Federation of Small Businesses has revealed how small firms facing an uphill battle to survive want to be supported so they can play their part in transforming high streets.

That is why in addition to making funding available to local authorities and other public bodies through the Future of the High Streets and Stronger Towns Fund, FSB wants to see small businesses directly supported so they can lead the transformation.

“High streets are at the heart of our communities. They are the epicentre of villages, towns and cities right across the country, but for many, these are difficult times,” said FSB national chair Mike Cherry.

“Small businesses are ready and willing to step up within these communities, with almost a third of those on high streets taking a role in the local leadership of the high street, and many more wishing to get involved. However, the fact remains that small businesses need urgent direct support to enable them to be at the vanguard of the transformation of the high street.”

FSB is encouraging the government to implement a more “business friendly ecosystem”, including cutting planning red tape so that small businesses can innovate and develop mixed goods and services business models.

It has also called on local authorities to create a High Streets Strategy to properly assess and target the biggest issues in their areas, be that parking or planning.

“Measures such as the expansion of free or discounted parking is a simple way to encourage shoppers to a high street, especially at a time when large anchor stores are closing,” noted Mr Cherry.

“As high streets evolve, we’re seeing a rise in independent businesses and many small firms engaged in Business Improvement Districts and Local Enterprise Partnerships as well as other community groups.

“These organised community efforts can act as positive influences for towns and their high streets as well as the wider economy.”

The latest research from FSB has shown that without the business rates relief, a staggering 38 per cent of small businesses on the high street would not survive.