New West End Company is proud to be a founding member of High Streets UK – a pro-growth, nationwide partnership dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the UK's flagship high streets and unlocking fresh opportunities for growth.
New West End Company launches High Streets UK: a pro-growth, nationwide partnership of business representatives
New West End Company is joined by fellow business representatives from Liverpool BID Company, FOR Cardiff, Essential Edinburgh, Central BID Birmingham, Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District, Leeds BID and Heart of London Business Alliance.
High Street UK’s core objective is to develop programmes and policy recommendations which will enable flagship UK high streets to drive growth both locally and nationally. This ambition aligns with the Government’s focus on creating a productive and sustainable economy. Labour has identified high streets as key drivers of economic growth, and flagship destinations are uniquely positioned to rise to the occasion.
To this end, the group will meet quarterly to share learnings and discuss potential solutions to common challenges – ranging from the rise of retail crime and anti-social behaviour to an unwieldy business rates system and rigid planning laws.
Collectively, the high streets involved in the initiative represent over 5,000 businesses, contribute £34.7 billion in GVA each year and welcome over 473 million visitors annually – a testament to the role they play in supporting their local economies and respective communities.
Dee Corsi, Chair of High Streets UK and CEO of New West End Company, said: "We know that thriving, flagship high streets can be powerful drivers of economic growth and employment, with the positive halo effects felt across the country. And, with the right policy environment, these destinations can contribute much more than just economic growth; they can be places where communities congregate, businesses flourish, and international investment flows.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to develop new ideas and solutions that will secure the future success of our nation’s flagship high streets and the economic, social, and cultural impact they have.”
To mark the launch of the initiative, business representatives, levy payers and key political stakeholders gathered together at the House of Commons on the evening of 14 January. The event was attended, most notably, by Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports; Dame Diana Johnson, Policing Minister; Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business & Growth; Councillor Adam Hug and Councillor Geoffrey Barraclough.
