Following the huge response to the Great British High Streets competition towns and villages are being urged to make one of their resolutions to enter this year’s awards.
The decision to extend the scheme, which will give people another chance to showcase their wares and share tips for success with others, was down to the enthusiasm for the awards shown by traders, businesses and local communities.
The High Streets Minister announced the competition would go ahead again on a visit to Belper in Derbyshire this week, which was named best market town and overall champion in last year’s competition.
The Great British High Street competition has been instrumental in highlighting new and innovative ways to boost our shopping streets and town centres and provides a platform for sharing ideas that other places keen to rejuvenate their high streets can learn from.
High Streets Minister Penny Mordaunt said: "I’ve have been bowled over by the pride, passion, and enthusiasm people have for their high streets and the value they place on them as an essential part of their community. We are a nation of shopkeepers and the Great British High Street competition will continue to share best practice to rejuvenate the high street, as well as reward the talent and drive of those working behind the scenes to make it happen.
“There was such enthusiasm for the competition last year, from towns like Belper, that it makes sense to hold it again so we can all learn more new ways to place high streets back at the heart of our communities."
The minister urged people to start thinking about the competition now ahead of details on the categories and how to enter being announced later in the year. The contest showcases the work happening on the ground by many communities and shopkeepers that is helping high streets evolve into places that are at the heart of the community, where people want to shop and socialise. The many successful examples from last year’s competition have been pulled together in a how-to guide so other towns and villages keen to rejuvenate their streets can gleam pointers.
The national competition will be run by the Future High Streets Forum . Further details about the competition and the categories will be announced later this year.
