New partnership representing high streets across the UK launches

A new partnership body representing the interests of high streets across the UK has been launched. High Streets UK includes business improvement districts (BIDS)in Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds and London. It will develop programmes and policy recommendations to support high streets to drive local and UK-wide growth.

Collectively, the high streets involved represent over 5,000 businesses, contribute £34.bn in gross value added( GVA) each year and welcome over 473 million visitors annually – acting as key drivers of growth and important economic anchors for local communities.

The group will meet quarterly to share learnings and discuss solutions to common challenges faced by high streets across the country – from the rise of retail crime and anti-social behaviour to an unwieldy business rates system and rigid planning laws.

FOR Cardiff is the business improvement district (BID) for Cardiff city centre - a private, not-for-profit membership organisation voted for by businesses in June 2016.

Since then, FOR Cardiff has invested over £1.5m annually to deliver projects, campaigns and events that enhance the city centre. It represents the needs of over 800 businesses.

Carolyn Brownell, executive director of FOR Cardiff said: “High streets are the beating heart of our cities, connecting communities, supporting businesses, and fostering economic growth. Through High Streets UK, we have an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other leading high streets, share innovative solutions, and tackle shared challenges head-on. By working together, we can create vibrant, welcoming spaces that not only drive local prosperity but also strengthen the national economy for years to come.”

Dee Corsi, chair of High Streets UK and chief executive of New West End Company (the business improvement district for London’s West End) 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.