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8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has welcomed the Bank of England's decision to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25%, calling it a "much-needed boost" for the retail sector, including for cycling...

8 May 2025

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the news that the 144-year-old Beales department store is staging a "Rachel Reeves Closing Down Sale" in its final weeks of trading, with giant yellow...

2 May 2025

Could the UK cycling industry be showing signs of renewed momentum? Following a challenging period marked by falling sales and overstocked inventories, overall trends and sales figures from...

2 May 2025

The Netherlands is set to legalise electric scooters and other light electric vehicles on public roads from July 2025, provided they are registered and display a license plate.

30 Apr 2025

The ACT has welcomed the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into e-bike products not meeting safety regulations, which has been launched “in context of dangerous low-quality e-bike...

29 Apr 2025

Edinburgh has been named the UK’s top city for bike commuting, with 10.00% of its workforce choosing to cycle to work, according to new research.

28 Apr 2025

The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill is set to be in force this year and the new regulations will impact high street retailers up and down the country.

25 Apr 2025

ACT parent company Bira welcomes the Chancellor's announcement of plans to create a level playing field for British businesses against unfair international trade practices.

15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

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FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also fostering job creation.

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With nearly half of small tourism and hospitality businesses located on or near high streets, the future of these bustling hubs is crucial for the growth of the tourism industry.

According to a survey conducted by the FSB, over half (57%) of small hospitality businesses believe that the creation of new tourist attractions and cultural events presents one of the greatest opportunities for revitalising high streets.

In response, the FSB has launched a blueprint titled The Future of the High Street, outlining practical recommendations to make high streets more attractive and accessible, and to boost tourism by encouraging innovative small businesses.

FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie highlighted the essential role small businesses play, not only in generating revenue and creating jobs, but also in enhancing the market for other local businesses.

“High streets are more than just commercial spaces; they’re destinations in their own right and are inextricably linked to our tourism industry. To support the industry, we must do more, as a nation, to make radical policy change to breathe a new lease of life into our high streets,” McKenzie said.

The FSB's blueprint calls for key changes, including the provision of affordable commercial space. By filling vacant sites and offering opportunities for small businesses eager to establish themselves, high streets could become hubs of innovation and growth.

The FSB also urges local authorities to create specialised funds that support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives, allowing first-time businesses to transition onto the high street.

McKenzie also pointed to the importance of modern, well-planned infrastructure, such as improved transport links and parking, in attracting tourists to high streets. “Every high street has a unique heritage and feel, but they all have one thing in common – the need for policies to make them safer, more peaceful, cleaner, and more appealing and exciting,” she added.

Another key recommendation is for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to collaborate with VisitBritain, VisitEngland, and local visitor economy partnerships to showcase Britain’s local high streets as must-see destinations in international tourism campaigns. This could attract more tourists to lesser-known areas, beyond the usual hotspots, unlocking potential in untapped regions.

In 2023, Britain welcomed 38 million international tourists, who spent £31.1 billion, with an average spend of £819 per visit. While visits remained 7% below pre-pandemic levels, the FSB believes that invigorating high streets can help drive a resurgence in tourism, benefiting local economies and businesses across the country.

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