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The event ‘High Streets: Heart of the Everyday Economy’ looked to explore and examine the important role that businesses on local parades and high streets play in people’s lives and what policy makers can do to support them.
It was chaired by executive director of politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Ryan Wain and featured a presentation from ACS chief executive James Lowman on the findings of ACS’ 2023 Community Barometer followed by a panel discussion focusing on policy issues affecting high streets, from business rates to crime and safety.
Panellists included: Sarah Owen MP, shadow minister for levelling up, housing, communities and local government, Paddy Lillis, general secretary, Usdaw; Richard Fleetwood, sub-postmaster, RF Retail and James Lowman.
Lowman said: “Local shops play a vital role in the lives of their customers providing them with access to essential products and services and acting as a social hub for those who may be more isolated or vulnerable and we know from the findings in our Community Barometer that convenience stores are considered to be essential by UK consumers.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to highlight the positive role that these businesses play on high streets and local parades. Convenience retailers are dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities but they need more support from government to ensure that they can continue provide these services now and into the future.”
ACS’ 2023 Community Barometer looks at how people value the services in their area, what they would like more of, and how they would prioritise investment in their community. This year’s report shows that the top three services that have the most positive impact locally are Post Offices (1), pharmacies (2) and convenience stores (3).
The same three services were also rated highest among local people as the most essential, with pharmacies considered the number one most essential local service, followed by Post Offices and convenience stores.
