Latest news with #SaveTheHighStreet
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Indie retailers under more pressure than ever says new survey
There's mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, with a new survey blaming dwindling footfall and surging costs for a decline in the belief that government is listening and doing enough to help. But it's not all doom and gloom. The findings collated by Spring & Autumn Fair in conjunction with SaveTheHigh Street 'uncover a clear path forward, and a resilient sector still determined to fight for its place at the heart of British communities'. However, negativity was certainly strong. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, revealed that over 50% of them 'have considered closing their business'. The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4%), competition from online giants (57.4%), and rising wage and employment costs (39%). Other major concerns include rising rent and property costs (21.1%), high business rates (14.7%), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7%). Reflecting a 'growing sense of frustration', 84% of independent retailers said they 'lack confidence that the government is doing enough to support them'. Most are small operations, with 89.4% running a single store and 86.3% employing fewer than five people, 'highlighting just how vulnerable they are', the report said. And despite their resilience, with 62.8% trading for more than three years and 36.7% for over a decade, 'many now find themselves at a crossroads'. What retailers say they need When asked what would make the biggest difference to their business, independent retailers sent a clear and coordinated message, 'targeted support and practical action are urgently needed'. The most common request to government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39%), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7%). Retailers also highlighted local improvements that would have a tangible impact on day-to-day trade, including better high street infrastructure (49.4%), more community-focused events to drive footfall (49.8%), affordable parking (46.6%), and stronger marketing support (76.9%). The findings also highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. Some 64.1% described their store as the 'social heart' of the area, while 57.4% offer services that national chains often can't, including personalised advice, special orders, and local expertise. Many also support vulnerable residents, preserve the unique character of their high streets, and provide the foundation for future regeneration. The report said that the message from Britain's independent retailers is clear, 'they are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead the rejuvenation of their high streets, but they can't do it alone'. 'While some government initiatives, such as pedestrianising high streets and localised regeneration pilots, show there is awareness of the problem, they simply don't go far enough to address the scale and urgency of the crisis'. Spring & Autumn Fair and are therefore urging policymakers 'to listen to what retailers are telling them and take immediate, practical steps to ease the burden on small businesses'. This includes 'urgent action on business rates, targeted funding, and investment in infrastructure that helps footfall grow again'. 'Without meaningful support, the cost of inaction will be measured not just in closed shops, but in lost communities. The future of Britain's high streets depends on swift, coordinated efforts from government, industry, and communities alike', they said. Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Spring & Autumn Fair, added: 'This data shows how much independent retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter. The high street is more than a place to shop. It's a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.' Alex Schlagman, founding partner of also said: 'These findings reveal just how critical it is to remove the barriers holding small retailers back. Through smarter support, local partnerships, and focused innovation, we can level the playing field and ensure independent businesses thrive in a changing world.'
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Indie retailers under more pressure than ever says new survey
There's mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, with a new survey blaming dwindling footfall and surging costs for a decline in the belief that government is listening and doing enough to help. But it's not all doom and gloom. The findings collated by Spring & Autumn Fair in conjunction with SaveTheHigh Street 'uncover a clear path forward, and a resilient sector still determined to fight for its place at the heart of British communities'. However, negativity was certainly strong. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, revealed that over 50% of them 'have considered closing their business'. The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4%), competition from online giants (57.4%), and rising wage and employment costs (39%). Other major concerns include rising rent and property costs (21.1%), high business rates (14.7%), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7%). Reflecting a 'growing sense of frustration', 84% of independent retailers said they 'lack confidence that the government is doing enough to support them'. Most are small operations, with 89.4% running a single store and 86.3% employing fewer than five people, 'highlighting just how vulnerable they are', the report said. And despite their resilience, with 62.8% trading for more than three years and 36.7% for over a decade, 'many now find themselves at a crossroads'. What retailers say they need When asked what would make the biggest difference to their business, independent retailers sent a clear and coordinated message, 'targeted support and practical action are urgently needed'. The most common request to government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39%), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7%). Retailers also highlighted local improvements that would have a tangible impact on day-to-day trade, including better high street infrastructure (49.4%), more community-focused events to drive footfall (49.8%), affordable parking (46.6%), and stronger marketing support (76.9%). The findings also highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. Some 64.1% described their store as the 'social heart' of the area, while 57.4% offer services that national chains often can't, including personalised advice, special orders, and local expertise. Many also support vulnerable residents, preserve the unique character of their high streets, and provide the foundation for future regeneration. The report said that the message from Britain's independent retailers is clear, 'they are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead the rejuvenation of their high streets, but they can't do it alone'. 'While some government initiatives, such as pedestrianising high streets and localised regeneration pilots, show there is awareness of the problem, they simply don't go far enough to address the scale and urgency of the crisis'. Spring & Autumn Fair and are therefore urging policymakers 'to listen to what retailers are telling them and take immediate, practical steps to ease the burden on small businesses'. This includes 'urgent action on business rates, targeted funding, and investment in infrastructure that helps footfall grow again'. 'Without meaningful support, the cost of inaction will be measured not just in closed shops, but in lost communities. The future of Britain's high streets depends on swift, coordinated efforts from government, industry, and communities alike', they said. Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Spring & Autumn Fair, added: 'This data shows how much independent retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter. The high street is more than a place to shop. It's a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.' Alex Schlagman, founding partner of also said: 'These findings reveal just how critical it is to remove the barriers holding small retailers back. Through smarter support, local partnerships, and focused innovation, we can level the playing field and ensure independent businesses thrive in a changing world.'
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Indie retailers under more pressure than ever says new survey
There's mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, with a new survey blaming dwindling footfall and surging costs for a decline in the belief that government is listening and doing enough to help. But it's not all doom and gloom. The findings collated by Spring & Autumn Fair in conjunction with SaveTheHigh Street 'uncover a clear path forward, and a resilient sector still determined to fight for its place at the heart of British communities'. However, negativity was certainly strong. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, revealed that over 50% of them 'have considered closing their business'. The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4%), competition from online giants (57.4%), and rising wage and employment costs (39%). Other major concerns include rising rent and property costs (21.1%), high business rates (14.7%), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7%). Reflecting a 'growing sense of frustration', 84% of independent retailers said they 'lack confidence that the government is doing enough to support them'. Most are small operations, with 89.4% running a single store and 86.3% employing fewer than five people, 'highlighting just how vulnerable they are', the report said. And despite their resilience, with 62.8% trading for more than three years and 36.7% for over a decade, 'many now find themselves at a crossroads'. What retailers say they need When asked what would make the biggest difference to their business, independent retailers sent a clear and coordinated message, 'targeted support and practical action are urgently needed'. The most common request to government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39%), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7%). Retailers also highlighted local improvements that would have a tangible impact on day-to-day trade, including better high street infrastructure (49.4%), more community-focused events to drive footfall (49.8%), affordable parking (46.6%), and stronger marketing support (76.9%). The findings also highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. Some 64.1% described their store as the 'social heart' of the area, while 57.4% offer services that national chains often can't, including personalised advice, special orders, and local expertise. Many also support vulnerable residents, preserve the unique character of their high streets, and provide the foundation for future regeneration. The report said that the message from Britain's independent retailers is clear, 'they are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead the rejuvenation of their high streets, but they can't do it alone'. 'While some government initiatives, such as pedestrianising high streets and localised regeneration pilots, show there is awareness of the problem, they simply don't go far enough to address the scale and urgency of the crisis'. Spring & Autumn Fair and are therefore urging policymakers 'to listen to what retailers are telling them and take immediate, practical steps to ease the burden on small businesses'. This includes 'urgent action on business rates, targeted funding, and investment in infrastructure that helps footfall grow again'. 'Without meaningful support, the cost of inaction will be measured not just in closed shops, but in lost communities. The future of Britain's high streets depends on swift, coordinated efforts from government, industry, and communities alike', they said. Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Spring & Autumn Fair, added: 'This data shows how much independent retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter. The high street is more than a place to shop. It's a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.' Alex Schlagman, founding partner of also said: 'These findings reveal just how critical it is to remove the barriers holding small retailers back. Through smarter support, local partnerships, and focused innovation, we can level the playing field and ensure independent businesses thrive in a changing world.'
Fashion Network
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Indie retailers under more pressure than ever says new survey
There's mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK, with a new survey blaming dwindling footfall and surging costs for a decline in the belief that government is listening and doing enough to help. But it's not all doom and gloom. The findings collated by Spring & Autumn Fair in conjunction with SaveTheHigh Street 'uncover a clear path forward, and a resilient sector still determined to fight for its place at the heart of British communities'. However, negativity was certainly strong. The survey, which collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, revealed that over 50% of them 'have considered closing their business'. The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4%), competition from online giants (57.4%), and rising wage and employment costs (39%). Other major concerns include rising rent and property costs (21.1%), high business rates (14.7%), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7%). Reflecting a 'growing sense of frustration', 84% of independent retailers said they 'lack confidence that the government is doing enough to support them'. Most are small operations, with 89.4% running a single store and 86.3% employing fewer than five people, 'highlighting just how vulnerable they are', the report said. And despite their resilience, with 62.8% trading for more than three years and 36.7% for over a decade, 'many now find themselves at a crossroads'. What retailers say they need When asked what would make the biggest difference to their business, independent retailers sent a clear and coordinated message, 'targeted support and practical action are urgently needed'. The most common request to government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39%), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7%). Retailers also highlighted local improvements that would have a tangible impact on day-to-day trade, including better high street infrastructure (49.4%), more community-focused events to drive footfall (49.8%), affordable parking (46.6%), and stronger marketing support (76.9%). The findings also highlighted the vital role independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. Some 64.1% described their store as the 'social heart' of the area, while 57.4% offer services that national chains often can't, including personalised advice, special orders, and local expertise. Many also support vulnerable residents, preserve the unique character of their high streets, and provide the foundation for future regeneration. The report said that the message from Britain's independent retailers is clear, 'they are ready to adapt, innovate, and lead the rejuvenation of their high streets, but they can't do it alone'. 'While some government initiatives, such as pedestrianising high streets and localised regeneration pilots, show there is awareness of the problem, they simply don't go far enough to address the scale and urgency of the crisis'. Spring & Autumn Fair and are therefore urging policymakers 'to listen to what retailers are telling them and take immediate, practical steps to ease the burden on small businesses'. This includes 'urgent action on business rates, targeted funding, and investment in infrastructure that helps footfall grow again'. 'Without meaningful support, the cost of inaction will be measured not just in closed shops, but in lost communities. The future of Britain's high streets depends on swift, coordinated efforts from government, industry, and communities alike', they said. Soraya Gadelrab, event director at Spring & Autumn Fair, added: 'This data shows how much independent retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter. The high street is more than a place to shop. It's a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.' Alex Schlagman, founding partner of also said: 'These findings reveal just how critical it is to remove the barriers holding small retailers back. Through smarter support, local partnerships, and focused innovation, we can level the playing field and ensure independent businesses thrive in a changing world.'
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Building society's huge five-storey branch bucking concerning High Street trend
One of the biggest new building society branches in the UK has just opened - the Mirror was given a guided tour of the Newcastle Building Society's new 10,000 sq ft flagship One of the biggest new building society branches in the UK has just opened - bucking the trend of High Street closures. More than 6,300 banks have disappeared from UK High Streets since 2015. The Mirror was given a guided tour of the Newcastle Building Society's new 10,000 sq ft flagship as part of our Save The High Street campaign. It officially opened the multi-million pound 'community-focussed' city centre branch after consulting with customers. They told them that they wanted old fashioned 'face to face' service. And the building society's bosses were determined to bring more branches across their network, in city centre locations as well as in rural communities, with a new branch also set to open in Manchester city centre. At five storeys high, the latest branch of the UK's seventh largest building society offers advice as well as financial service. Bosses wanted to demonstrate an alternative to show "what high streets could look like" when banking giants simply listen to the public. Their 350,000 customers placed "great value on physical locations". Newcastle has joined forces with the Manchester Building Society to open new branches across their network. And it seems to work. From January to April 2025, branch savings balances grew at a rate more than double the market average. The new Monument branch in Newcastle city centre has rooms which can be used by community groups for free. It is part of the society's commitment to keep branches open. Chief Executive Andrew Haigh said: 'This is our biggest single branch investment and a huge commitment to our home city. "We continue to invest in branches and in opening more locations. Our members repeatedly tell us that they want the option of having a trusted, friendly conversation about their money, rather than being forced to solely manage their finances online. "Having accessible financial services across our regions opens the door to better financial outcomes for many more. "Our approach has seen our branch network outperform the market average for savings balances, growing at a rate of more than double the whole of the market average." Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, described the new flagship branch as "exactly what our high streets need". She said: "We want spaces and services to help the communities they serve thrive. "I hope to see more businesses reimagine how they can unlock the potential of high streets." Newcastle Building Society has just opened a branch in Pickering, North Yorks., and a new community partnership in North Shields, North Tyneside.
