The search is on to find our Great British high streets as a new report reveals increasing optimism among shoppers and the growing popularity of ‘click-and-collect’ services.
A national competition, run by the Future High Street Forum of the Department for Communities and Local Government, has been launched alongside new evidence showing that our high streets are rising to the challenge set by consumers who want increased convenience and more flexibility of services on the high streets.
Mark Pawsey said: "The Great British High Street Awards will promote high streets as great places to visit and to use business as a method of building healthy communities. I think this is a great opportunity for the people of Rugby to celebrate the amazing communities and small businesses we have locally.
The government’s long-term economic plan has supported local high streets with a billion pound package of investment that includes targeted business rate discounts, sensible planning changes and action tackling over-zealous parking practices.
“We are rich in a variety of different eateries, shops and organisations which harbour a real sense of unity in the places we live and this competition would allow us to not only enhance that but to promote more people to share in it.”
The competition requires local high streets to create a team and submit an entry under a particular category. Each team is judged on their innovation, collaboration, transition and outcomes and can show this through submitting creative applications including videos or visuals.
The prize is a marketing pack for the high street to promote their businesses and encourage people to visit the area.
You can find out more at: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk