FSB report calls on local authorities to support high street businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published its Future of the High Street report, calling for a new package of measures to help high street businesses grow and thrive.

The report, which features analysis informed by a large-scale survey of small businesses, calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support popups, markets and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses.

This would encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street.

It also highlights the need for well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets, as well as family-friendly services like creche facilities on the high street – encouraging visitors to stay longer and support the local economy.

In the report, more than 60 per cent of South Coast SMEs say that a diverse range of independent businesses is one of the most important factors for the long-term sustainability and future of their local high street – and they’ve called for a concerted effort to help.

“Thriving local economies need thriving local commerce,” said Nicky Kildunne, FSB development manager for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

“Small independent businesses on the high street provide not only great goods and services, but create lots of jobs and are an essential part of community cohesion.

“Our report shows there’s a real willingness among retailers to make the high street work, but they know they can’t do it alone.

“They need support from everyone, including our local authorities who play such a pivotal role.

“We all have a role in this as we all get to choose where to spend the money we earn.

“Supporting local shops is an investment in local business and local people and we all have to take that responsibility seriously.”

The survey also found that local businesses on the South Coast had seen a wide range of closures on their local high street since the beginning of the Covid pandemic – particularly retailers, hospitality venues and banks.

Business rates remain a huge burden on high street small businesses, with the current small business rate relief (SBRR) continuing to play a key role in their survival.

The research found nearly half of high street small businesses say they would not survive without SBRR.

FSB says that to help small firms to grow further, the SBRR threshold should be increased from £12,000 of rateable value to £25,000.

Good transport links, improved parking facilities and better high street cleaning are also cited by business owners as a potential help for the high street.