Hot on the heels of latest ONS statistics showing a 0.5% rise in retail sales volumes in April, after a fall of 1.2% in March, FSB policy & advocacy chair Tina McKenzie is urging retail SMEs to have their say on FSB’s Future of the High Street survey which closes on 27 July. Respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 as a thank you for taking part.
Visit www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey
“We need as many SMEs as possible to take part in the survey,” states Tina. “When our high streets thrive, so does the rest of the business sector, and the more participants we get, the louder voice for us all. We are therefore asking retailers to share their stories about dealing with business rates, transport, parking, access to cash – and to let us know what changes they think could spark a revolution for our high streets. Now is the time to bring new life to high streets with fresh, bold ideas backed by sound public policies.”
The findings will be analysed, with recommendations submitted to the UK and national and local governments and devolved administrations to help the UK’s high streets to flourish into the future.
Commenting on the recent ONS statistics, Tina says they prove the enduring potential of high street retailing. “A rise of 0.8% in sales in the three months to April 2023 tells us that our traditional high street still holds its own in the business arena. It’s a feather in the cap of the nimble high street retailers that stay one step ahead of market shifts and trends.”
She adds however, that with rising interest rates and concerns about consumer demand there are still huge roads ahead for high street stores who are wrestling with business rates, VAT, late payments and poor transport links. “Only with certainty and support can the full potential of these small firms can be realised,” she points out. “That’s why swift action is crucial.”
Visit www.fsb.org.uk.
Top: The FSB has launched a Future Of The High Street survey. The closing date is 27 July.
