Business
New report from FSB sets out vision to transform British high streets
THE UK’s biggest business group has unveiled a package of new measures to help transform life on our ever-evolving high streets for the millions of small firms based on them.
Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes, and showcasing local high streets in major tourism campaigns are some of the recommendations set out to revive the UK’s village, town and city centres, in a landmark new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The Future of the High Street report, published this week, builds up a picture of life for small firms in and around the high street and sets out a plan to help transform them into places that meet future needs and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, which is essential for a thriving economy.
FSB is calling for a specialised fund to be created to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street. With more than a third (39%) of high street small businesses saying the availability of affordable commercial space is important for the future of an area, ensuring temporary spaces are available will not only fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch in a physical premises.
The report, which features in-depth analysis following a large-scale survey of small businesses, also suggests a specialised fund to support a mobile phone-based loyalty programme for high street firms, and launching community-specific online marketplaces to showcase local shops and services.
To bring in visitors and increase footfall, local high streets should be featured in domestic and international tourism campaigns. FSB is encouraging tourism groups like VisitBritain, VisitEngland and Local Visitor Economy Partnerships to showcase the unique character and offerings of local high streets across the UK in promotions and coordination of campaigns.
The research also found plummeting consumer spending (70%), falling footfall (47%) and crime or anti-social behaviour (47%) are the biggest risks to high streets according to the small firms based on them.
- Over half of local businesses (57%) say a diverse range of independent businesses is one of the most important features for the long-term sustainability and future of their local high street.
- Good transport links are also key for the future of the high street, according to almost half (43%) of small businesses based on them.
- Around half (49%) of high street small businesses say parking facilities are managed poorly on their local high street.
- Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, most local businesses saw a range of closures on their local high street, including: retail stores (72%), hospitality (69%), banks (58%), post offices (28%), and entertainment venues (20%).
Tina McKenzie, Policy and Advocacy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Our small businesses are an integral part of the high street and will be central in leading the transformation of their local economies. By providing the infrastructure, flexibility and digital connectivity that modern businesses demand, high streets will have the resources available to become resilient, dynamic hubs ready for the future.
“As well as core recommendations targeting fundamental issues for small firms on the high street, including business rates, transport and parking, this report also lays out innovative asks to ensure these businesses can survive into the future and ultimately help revive our town centres.
“High streets must be helped to evolve to keep pace with changes in consumer behaviour as well as how small firms want to work. One example of this is introducing loyalty schemes for high streets to encourage local businesses to collaborate and incentivise consumers to shop, eat, and drink locally.
“It’s been exciting to hear from many online small firms that want to take steps to open up in a bricks and mortar premises on the high street. These businesses need support to make that change – and should be given the flexibility to access pop-up and temporary units. Before the General Election, we were pleased to see Labour’s emphasis on improving life on the high street for small firms. It’s now time for the new Government as well as local authorities to put these plans into action and ensure that small firms on our high streets are fully supported.”
According to the report’s other findings, empty units are a major blight on shopping streets across the UK, with more than two thirds (69%) of local businesses reporting them on their nearby high street. FSB is asking for a band of on-site high street chiefs responsible for the growth and wellbeing of high streets across the country, creating promotion plans and monitoring vacant units within their area.
The research also highlights the need for well-maintained and accessible modern public toilets and family-friendly services like creche facilities, encouraging visitors to stay longer, upping footfall and supporting the local economy.
Business rates remain a huge burden on high street small businesses, with the current Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) a key part of their survival. Almost half (49%) of high street small businesses say they would not survive without SBRR. The research also found that more than half (54%) of high street small businesses would invest in or grow their businesses if the SBRR threshold was increased from £12,000 of rateable value to £25,000. FSB believes this increase would be a crucial step in allowing small firms to further foster growth.
The report calls for a high street hop scheme providing free bus fares on key routes during peak shopping days to help increase footfall and support local businesses. Offering free parking on at least two Saturdays, plus two additional days a month, would increase footfall and support local businesses by making high streets more accessible.
Interconnector brings power boost and green energy potential to Wales and Ireland
A MAJOR new electricity interconnector linking Pembrokeshire and Ireland has gone live, with power now flowing between the two countries for the first time via the Greenlink project.
The 504-megawatt (MW) Greenlink Interconnector connects National Grid’s 400kV substation at Pembroke with EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford. The link spans 200km, including 160km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable laid beneath the Irish Sea.
The interconnector is expected to improve energy security, increase grid resilience, and support the growth of renewable energy by allowing surplus electricity to be shared between Wales and Ireland.
Greenlink is one of the first privately funded energy infrastructure projects of its kind in Europe. It is owned by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and operated by EirGrid.
At the Welsh end of the link, National Grid carried out a series of upgrades to its Pembroke substation, including the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside the existing air-insulated facility. The hybrid solution was designed to be space- and cost-efficient, and it uses a greener insulating gas instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), in line with National Grid’s target to halve SF6 emissions by 2030.
James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, described the go-live as a “significant milestone.”
He said: “This is one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.”
John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said connecting Greenlink to the network at Pembroke allows both countries to “benefit from that boost in capacity and resilience.”
He said: “As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening the security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit renewable power produced across borders.”
The converter stations at each end of the interconnector transform electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) for use on the respective national grids.
Michael Kelly, interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said the project was “a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security.”
He added: “EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland’s grid renewable ready. This latest connection was made possible through collaboration with our UK colleagues and the Greenlink team.”
The interconnector is now fully operational, with electricity flowing across the Irish Sea in both directions.
PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.
Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.
Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.
Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.
There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.
“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”
The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3rd and 10th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.
To find out more please contact Alex on Alex.Evans@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 07584642534.
Ends
A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.
Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.
The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.
The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.
“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.
“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”
Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.
The pair’s route is as follows:
- Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
- Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
- Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
- Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
- Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
- Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”
She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”
Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.
To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don
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