Research will underpin proposals to government for retail future – closing date 27 July
Hot on the heels of latest ONS figures showing a 0.5% rise in retail sales volumes in April, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is urging retail SMEs to take part in its Future Of The High Street survey – which closes this week.
FSB policy and advocacy chairperson Tina McKenzie wants as many SMEs as possible to take part in the survey – and all respondents before the closing date of Thursday, 27 July, will be entered in a prize draw to win £250.
“We need as many SMEs as possible to take part in the survey,” Tina – whose full blog on the survey’s importance can be read here – said. “When our High Streets thrive so does the rest of the business sector – and the more participants we get, the louder voice for us all.
“We are therefore asking retailers to share their stories about dealing with business rates, transport, parking, access to cash – and to let us know what changes they think could spark a revolution for our high streets. Now is the time to bring new life to High Streets with fresh, bold ideas backed by sound public policies.
“I’d like to see a resurgence of small High Street businesses. By garnering small businesses’ important views through this FSB survey, we can help High Streets evolve with the times.”
The survey reminder comes as the Office For National Statistics (ONS) data revealed April saw a 0.5% rise in retail sales volumes following on from the 1.2% fall in March.
Tina said these figures prove the enduring potential of High Street retailing, adding: “A rise of 0.8% in sales in the three months to April 2023 tells us that our traditional High Street still holds its own in the business arena. It’s a feather in the cap of the nimble High Street retailers that stay one step ahead of market shifts and trends.”
The Future Of The High Street market research survey is being conducted for the FSB by Verve Partners, and the responses will “underpin our policy recommendations for all political parties to adopt as commitments in their General Election manifestos next year,” Tina said. “Your views will help us formulate a strong and persuasive proposal to influence both the UK and local governments. as well as devolved administrations, on building a new golden age of the High Street, especially during this challenging time.”
And she commented that rising interest rates and concerns about consumer demand means there are still huge challenges for stores already wrestling with business rates, VAT, late payments and poor transport links.
“Only with certainty and support can the full potential of these small firms can be realised,” she pointed out. “That’s why swift action is crucial.”
