High Street

Future of the high street to be discussed at Plymouth BID Conference

The future of the high street will be a key theme at the Plymouth Business Improvement District Conference due to be held on Thursday 3 April at Council House in Plymouth’s Civic Centre. Plymouth City Centre Company and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce are jointly hosting the event.

The conference will include a keynote speech from Brandon Lewis MP, Minister for Local Government and...

Businesses agree deal for 'dementia friendly' high streets

South West High streets are set to become ‘dementia friendly’ as several major retailers commit to offering their staff training to help those with the condition.

The initiative launched by the Alzhiemer’s society will see staff at 60 Homebase and Argos stores as well as some branches of Marks and Spencer and Lloyds bank train to become ‘Dementia Friends’ who help people with...

Council to provide retail relief to help the high street

Shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes in Plymouth are amongst those businesses in the retail sector set to receive bigger business rates discounts.

In a bid to support smaller retail businesses Plymouth City Council has announced they will be offering a £1,000 rates discount to those with a rateable value of less than £50,000.

Over 860 businesses will qualify for this discount...

Retail boss claims 20,000 independent shops at risk as he slams Queen of Shops' review

The former chief of chain stores Wickes and Iceland has claimed that 20,000 independent shops in the UK are at risk of closing, in an alternative report into the high street to be published this week.

Bill Grimsey has criticised a government report and high street rescue strategy overseen by 'Queen Of Shops", Mary Portas, as "little more than a PR stunt". Mr Grimsey has compiled an...