The Department for Communities and Local Government yesterday (11th December) launched their new report, ‘Celebrating the Great British High Street 2014’.
The report showcases some of the best high street projects from across the country and provides ideas that other towns could implement. The report, launched at an exclusive event in the Palace of Westminster, was produced off the back of this year’s Great British High Street awards’ entries and winners.
The competition and report celebrate the achievements of local people who make their high streets great places to live, work and shop. The winners were selected across a range of categories for their ability to innovate, collaborate and adapt to changing consumer habits.
High Streets Minister, Penny Mordaunt, said: “This competition celebrates the hard work of local people, drives forward their innovative ideas and makes sure those schemes that are tried and tested are shared. “Across the country there is great work happening on the ground to adapt the high street to the needs of the modern consumer and I’m determined we capture this in our booklet so others can learn valuable tips and see what works for them”.
The report highlights that the key to a successful high street or town centre is by building local partnerships between local authorities, the business sector and the local community. ACS’ latest Voice of Local Shops Survey shows that 83% of convenience store retailers actively engage in community activity, with 78% of them collecting money for local charities amongst other things.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “It is great to see that the Government is highlighting the importance of Britain’s High Streets. ACS currently works with the Government as a member of the Future High Streets Forum to promote policies that benefit town centres and to emphasise the major role that convenience stores play towards the UK economy”.
The 'Celebrating the Great British High Street' report is available to view here: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/pdf/GBHS-Celebrating-The-GB-High-Street.pdf
