NEW REPORT SETS OUT FUTURE VISION TO SUPPORT AND TRANSFORM OUR 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 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 popups, 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. 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.” www.fsb.org.uk SKECHERS BROADENS EUROPEAN FOOTPRINT Leading US footwear brand Skechers is broadening its footprint in Spain and Belgium with the guidance of strategic retail property consultancy Newmark Retail UK & EMEA. The new locations in Spain include 254sqm at Marineda Shopping Centre in the northern city of Coruña, 744sqm at Parque Oeste Retail Park and 924sqm at the Rivas Futura Retail Park, both in Madrid. Skechers also opened a store in April at Rue Neuve 64, Brussels, Belgium, which measures 490sqm and is in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and popular travel destinations. Ana Mendi, Executive Director at Newmark Retail UK & EMEA, said: “We’ve worked with Skechers for 16 years, advising on its growth strategy to scale across key European markets. Skechers’popularity continues to soar with its quality products and strong brand identity. With our experience and expertise in the retail market, we have strategically selected and secured prime locations to help Skechers continue its market penetration.” In addition to the new locations, Newmark Retail is facilitating the expansion of Skechers’ retail footprint across Spain including at The Style Outlets in Viladecans, Las Rozas and San Sebastian de los Reyes. Founded in 1992, Skechers launched with a men’s logger boot to provide comfort and style. Today, the brand has grown its product range to hundreds of styles of trainers, shoes, clothing and accessories. With corporate headquarters in Manhattan Beach, California, the footwear and apparel company now has over 5,000 stores in 180 countries. Newmark Retail is an advisor to retail and leisure occupiers, operating in the UK, Europe and the US. It provides real estate advisory services for an extensive collection of high street retailers, as well as for brands in the travel retail, leisure, hospitality, and out of town sectors. www.skechers.co.uk 6
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