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10 Oct 2023

British Independent Retail Association (Bira) acknowledges the Government's investment in towns across the UK.
 

9 Oct 2023

Policing minister Chris Philp has encouraged shop workers to make ‘citizen’s arrests’ on shoplifters, a message branded as ‘dangerous and irresponsible’  by...

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A group of independent traders in Budleigh Salterton have started a campaign to attract more shoppers.

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New research from Square and Clearpay indicates consumer confidence is rising, with 72% of consumers planning to spend more or the same this coming holiday season compared to last year,...

9 Oct 2023

Miriam Margolyes, Richard Armitage and Tomi Oyemakinde will be among the authors headlining events at this year’s Bookshop Day taking place this Saturday 14th October.

4 Oct 2023

Shop owners have called on the Home Secretary to specifically outlaw attacks on retail workers.

4 Oct 2023

From the start of October, bans and restrictions on single-use plastic cutlery, polystyrene cups and food containers, single-use balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and...

27 Sep 2023

A recent survey of retailers across the UK has shown that cash remains a crucial payment method for independent shops.

27 Sep 2023

Almost 2,000 more British independent shops were left empty in the first half of this year, as small businesses struggled to cope with rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

27 Sep 2023

An independent shop owner in Liverpool has said that independent shops in the city centre have taken to creating their own security WhatsApp group, warning each other of shoplifters in the...

Prime Minister's Funding Injection for Left-Behind Towns Welcomed by Bira

Posted on in Business News

British Independent Retail Association (Bira) acknowledges the Government's investment in towns across the UK.

High street

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, commends the UK Government's commitment to the revitalisation of left-behind towns, putting local communities in charge of over £1 billion for their long-term development.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement earlier this week outlined the allocation of £20 million endowment-style funds to 55 towns, distributed over a span of 10 years. This significant funding initiative, known as the "Long-term Plan for Towns," empowers communities to regain control over their future, enabling them to make decisions that best serve the interests of their residents.

The investment is intended to address various local priorities, including the rejuvenation of high streets, the combatting of anti-social behaviour (ASB), the enhancement of transportation networks, and the overall growth of the local economy.

The Long-term Plan for Towns offers the opportunity for selected towns, including six in the North East, ten in the North West, and four in the West Midlands, to develop their own comprehensive plans, backed by a dedicated Towns Board. This UK-wide approach spans across 55 towns, encompassing seven towns in Scotland and four in Wales.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We wholeheartedly welcome the allocation of funds aimed at enhancing towns throughout the United Kingdom. The management and development of local areas are of paramount importance to the retail industry. It is crucial to recognise that independent retail establishments serve as the lifeblood of thriving towns and high streets.

"While we applaud this funding initiative, it is essential that we maintain the safety and accessibility of our high streets. We hope this funding will be utilised to create town centres that remain easily accessible to all, including those who rely on personal vehicles."

He added: "The injection of funds into left-behind towns under the "Long-term Plan for Towns" marks a substantial step toward rejuvenating local economies and reinvigorating community spirits. Bira looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this investment on towns across the UK."

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