Small businesses in Wales 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.
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair said: “I encourage all small businesses in Wales to spare a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey. We know that high streets are essential for small businesses, they provide a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride. They also offer essential opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities. We’d like to hear how local high streets are faring, and the impact this is having on businesses in Wales. The more responses we can get from local firms, the more informed our recommendations are.”
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%).
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 40% per cent of businesses in Wales were operated on or next to their local high street, representing a significant and important section of Wales’ small business sector.
The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK and Welsh governments to help high streets in Wales to flourish into the future. The survey will run until the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey
