Bristol City Centre BID has joined business representatives from the nation’s flagship high streets to launch High Streets UK, a new partnership which aims to tackle the most pressing issues facing high streets and unlock fresh opportunities for growth.
The group will meet quarterly to share learnings and discuss solutions to common challenges faced by high streets across the country – from the rise of retail crime and anti-social behaviour to an unwieldy business rates system and rigid planning laws.
The group’s core objective is to develop programmes and policy recommendations which will enable high streets to drive local and national growth, aligning with the Government’s focus on creating a productive and sustainable economy.
Founding members of High Streets UK include leading Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds and London. Collectively, the high streets involved represent over 5,000 businesses, contributing £34.7 billion in GVA each year and welcoming over 473 million visitors annually – acting as key drivers of growth and important economic anchors for local communities.
Dee Corsi, chair of High Streets UK and CEO of New West End Company, said: “We know that thriving, flagship high streets can be powerful drivers of economic growth and employment, with the positive halo effects felt across the country. And, with the right policy environment, these destinations can contribute much more than just economic growth; they can be places where communities congregate, businesses flourish, and international investment flows.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to develop new ideas and solutions that will secure the future success of our nation’s flagship high streets and the economic, social, and cultural impact they have.”
Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “This partnership presents a valuable opportunity to help Bristol’s businesses continue to grow in spite of challenging economic conditions. Collaborating on a national scale allows us to influence policy and work effectively to ensure the survival of businesses and the continuation of a thriving business environment in the city and we look forward to seeing what opportunities this forms for our high street.”
