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Small businesses in North East Lincolnshire to have their say in FSB’s flagship “The Future of the High Street” survey

4:28 pm, Monday, 17th July 2023 - 1 year ago

General

Small businesses across Northern Lincolnshire are being invited to have their say on the future of the high street, by taking part in a UK-wide survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on issues such as business rate relief, public transport and parking, access to cash and street cleaning.

The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK National government, local authorities, and politicians to help the regions high streets to flourish into the future.

The survey will run from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey

Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and the Humber said: “I encourage all small businesses across Northern Lincolnshire, from its city centre, towns, villages and coastal communities to spare just a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey.

High streets are essential for small businesses, providing a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride, as well as opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities. Sustainable high streets are key to flourishing urban and rural areas and for the success of our seaside towns. The more responses we get from businesses in communities across Northern Lincolnshire, the better their specific views can underpin recommendations.”

The public highly values small businesses on the high street, according to recent research by FSB and Public First; A majority of respondents said that small businesses were more important than large businesses for the following categories: Keeping traditional craft and skills alive (78%), pride in local communities (76%), providing unique services and products (72%), and growing the local economy (57%).

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We have a huge number of small businesses in North East Lincolnshire – they are a major part of our economic landscape. Through Government investment, we are now well on the way to delivering key projects in Grimsby and Cleethorpes’ town centres and surrounding areas in the coming years that will benefit businesses small and large. Together we can make our towns stronger and better places.”

Previous policy research by FSB has been central to understanding small business experience and perceptions of high streets and the policies impacting them. An FSB policy report Streets Ahead (March 2020) highlighted small business experiences of the high street before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that at least 32% per cent of businesses in Yorkshire the Humber region were operated on or next to their local high street, representing a significant and important section of the city’s small business sector.

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