The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing high streets across the UK, delivering substantial economic, social, and cultural benefits while promoting job creation. This ambitious plan seeks to reshape the role of high streets, transforming them into vibrant hubs that can drive growth in local economies.

Nearly half of small tourism and hospitality businesses are located on or near these high streets, making their future essential to the continued success of the tourism sector. Recognizing this, the FSB is focused on unlocking the potential of these areas to stimulate innovation and community engagement.

According to an FSB survey, 57% of small hospitality businesses believe that the development of new tourist attractions and cultural events presents one of the most significant opportunities to breathe new life into high streets. In response, the FSB has introduced its blueprint, The Future of the High Street, which outlines practical measures to make high streets more appealing, accessible, and supportive of small business growth.

Key Blueprint Recommendations

The FSB’s blueprint calls for transformative changes, including the provision of affordable commercial spaces to fill vacant properties and attract new, innovative businesses. These spaces would offer small enterprises the opportunity to flourish, contributing to a diverse and thriving local economy.

The FSB also recommends that local authorities establish dedicated funds to support pop-up markets, temporary retail spaces, and community-driven projects. These efforts would enable emerging businesses to gain a foothold on the high street and add vibrancy to the area.

Additionally, the FSB is pushing for collaboration between the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, VisitBritain, VisitEngland, and local visitor economy partnerships to showcase UK high streets as must-visit destinations in international tourism campaigns. By promoting lesser-known regions, this initiative aims to drive tourism beyond the usual hotspots, unlocking economic potential across the UK.

Boosting Tourism and Local Economies

In 2023, the UK welcomed 38 million international visitors, generating £31.1 billion in revenue, with an average spend of £819 per visit. Despite visitor numbers being 7% below pre-pandemic levels, the FSB believes that revitalizing high streets could be the catalyst needed to boost tourism and support local businesses.

By reimagining high streets as cultural and economic centers, the FSB’s initiative offers a fresh approach to attracting tourists and fostering growth, ensuring that high streets remain at the heart of vibrant communities across the UK.

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