Nearly half of all small shops in the South West could be forced to close down without business rate relief, according to a major new report into the state of the region’s high streets.
Business rates remain a “huge burden” on small retailers, says the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which commissioned the research.
It described the Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) as “a key part of [retailers’] survival” and, to coincide with publication of its report The Future of the High Street, called for the SBRR threshold should be increased from £12,000 of rateable value to £25,000.
The FSB, Britain’s biggest business group, also urged 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.
In addition, the report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, recommends creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes to support independent retailers.
Other suggestions include good transport links, improved parking facilities and better street cleaning while family-friendly services such as creches and well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets in retail centres would encourage visitors to stay longer, increase footfall and support the local economy.
The research also shows that more than 60% of the South West’s small and medium-sized enterprises believe 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.
The report says that while the region’s high streets are constantly evolving, they have suffered a wide range of closures since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with retail stores, hospitality and banks most likely to have put up the shutters.
FSB development manager for Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire, Sam Holliday, pictured, said thriving local economies needed thriving local commerce and called on everyone to support their local the high street.
“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,” he added.
“Our report shows there is 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.”
Individuals had a key part to play too, he said.
“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.”
To read the full report and the FSB’s recommendations, click here
