FSB urges closer ties between SMEs and authorities to boost high street

Author: Elizabeth Smythe - 17 May 2013

Closer ties between local decision-makers and small firms could save the high street, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Research carried out by the body found that over half of all independent retailers believe their high street is 'performing poorly', freshbusinessthinking.com reports. However, 70 per cent think that a stronger relationship with dominant local authorities could have a positive effect, helping to boost the local economy.

Consequently, the FSB is urging stronger relationships between the authorities and small firms. Between them, schemes such as flexible opening hours, relocating town centres and opening pop-up stores could be more viable - each of which could help revitalise the high street, the FSB said. 

Improving the appearance and convenience of town centres - perhaps with new street furniture, cycle shelters and bus stops - might also help attract consumers back.

The call coincides with Local Business Week, an initiative aimed at persuading British shoppers to buy three items from their local high street, meltontimes.co.uk writes. It is urging people to 'take a pledge to think local' and support the million's of shopkeepers, butchers, bakers, grocers, hairdressers, et al.

"Reviving town centres from decline is possible with the right measures from councils and local authorities. We want improved dialogue and co-operation between independent retailers and their local decision-makers, so they can work jointly on improving their town centre.

"Attracting new businesses and shoppers is one way to ensure the survival of small businesses, which is why we are supporting Local Business Week and its pledge for shoppers to buy three things on their local high street."