High Streets UK: A new partnership to drive the future of high streets across the UK

Business leaders from some of the UK’s major cities have joined forces to tackle the challenges facing high streets.

High Streets UK is a groundbreaking partnership which includes Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) from major cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, and London

The group’s core objective is to develop programmes and policy recommendations which will enable flagship UK high streets to drive local and national growth, aligning with the Government’s focus on creating a productive and sustainable economy.

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.

Collectively, the high streets involved represent over 5,000 businesses, contribute £34.7 billion in GVA each year and welcome 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.”

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:

“Our high streets have become much more than retail hubs, they are places where our communities meet, gather, play, shop, eat and explore. A true mixed use high street offers a perfect vehicle to drive national and local growth.

“Business Improvement Districts across the larger cities represent the UK’s flagship high streets, who are facing similar challenges and opportunities. Together, through High Streets UK we have the opportunity to add our collective voice of over 5,000 UK businesses to support targeted policy change that will help our high streets rise to the occasion.”

For more info on High Streets UK and Liverpool BID Company click here.

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