The Federation of Small Businesses is leading the campaign calling for increased support for the UK’s high streets. It has produced a set of recommendations to local and national government after a comprehensive survey of FSB members.
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Published in association with
by JENNIFER THOMAS, FSB development manager for Northamptonshire
A MAJOR new report published by the Federation of Small Businesses recommends a package of new measures to help transform life for small businesses on Northamptonshire’s ever evolving high streets.
The Future of the High Street report 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.
Around 39% of high street small businesses 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 market places to showcase local shops and services.
The research highlights the need for well-maintained, accessible and modern public facilities and family-friendly services on our high streets in order to attract more visitors, to encourage them to stay longer and to support the local economy.
It is important that small firms across the UK are provided with the right environment, infrastructure and flexibility to be successful and in turn help to 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 help our town and city centres and ensure our small businesses are well supported.
In Northamptonshire it has been food to see local councils undertaking work to invest in high streets, such as North Northamptonshire’s Hi Street! Public awareness campaign or the creation of a town centre Masterplan for Brackley and Daventry by West Northamptonshire Council.
Northamptonshire’s high streets have been through many changes and will continue to evolve, flexing to incorporate our county’s rich heritage and the needs of today’s consumer.
That is why it is so important that the small businesses at their heart are well-supported and well-equipped for the future.
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A challenge to government on key issues
there is work ahead for the new government to deliver on the promised small business plan and boost to economic growth.
The FSB’s Manifesto featured over 150 specific proposals to create the conditions for growth, a vision for town centres and a plan to remove barriers holding back entrepreneurship.
Many of these measures do not involve additional spending.
We called on the new government to commit to a Small Business Act, to clamp down on late payment, improve service from bodies like HM Revenue & Customs, protect against cybercrime, unfair energy tariffs and business owners losing their home if their business fails.
However, the King’s Speech failed to focus on growth in the economy. The government’s 105-page briefing did not mention “small businesses” once nor delivery of the promised small business plan nor action on late and poor payment from big business. Small employers are also concerned about the increased costs and risks surrounding the proposed employment rights package. We look to the Chancellor for positive action.
MPs should already understand the key role which SMEs have in the UK’s economy – your voice counts as a constituent so let them hear it.
Jennifer Thomas is the FSB’s development manager in Northamptonshire.
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