High streets must be helped to evolve, says FSB

05 Aug 2024

The UK's high streets need help to evolve and survive, according to a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

The FSB has unveiled a package of measures to help improve the nation's high streets.

It says that high streets face a range of risks including plummeting consumer spending, falling footfall and crime or anti-social behaviour.

The FSB says initiatives like supporting pop-ups, temporary use initiatives for new businesses and creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes can help revive the UK's high streets.

Other recommendations include, showcasing high streets in major tourism campaigns, well-maintained accessible toilets and community-specific online marketplaces.

Tina McKenzie, Policy and Advocacy Chair at the FSB, said: 'By providing the infrastructure, flexibility and digital connectivity that modern businesses demand, high streets will have the resources available to become resilient, dynamic hubs ready for the future. 

'As well as core recommendations targeting fundamental issues for small firms on the high street, including business rates, transport and parking, this report also lays out innovative asks to ensure these businesses can survive into the future and ultimately help revive our town centres.

'High streets must be helped to evolve to keep pace with changes in consumer behaviour as well as how small firms want to work. One example of this is introducing loyalty schemes for high streets to encourage local businesses to collaborate and incentivise consumers to shop, eat, and drink locally.'