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15 January 2025

LeedsBID part of pro-growth business partnership formed to back flagship UK high streets

LeedsBID part of pro-growth business partnership formed to back flagship UK high streets

LeedsBID is among business representatives from the nation’s flagship high streets which have come together to launch High Streets UK – a new partnership aiming to tackle the most pressing issues facing high streets and unlock fresh opportunities for growth.

The group’s core objective is to develop programmes and policy recommendations which will enable flagship UK high streets to drive local and national growth, aligning with the Government’s focus on creating a productive and sustainable economy. The group will develop policy solutions to common challenges facing flagship high streets, including business rates, public safety and planning.

Founding members of High Streets UK include leading Business Improvement Districts from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds and London. Collectively, the high streets involved represent over 5,000 businesses, contribute £34.7 billion in GVA each year and welcome over 473 million visitors annually – acting as key drivers of growth and important economic anchors for local communities.

Dee Corsi, Chair of High Streets UK and CEO of New West End Company, said: “We know that thriving, flagship high streets can be powerful drivers of economic growth and employment, with the positive halo effects felt across the country. And, with the right policy environment, these destinations can contribute much more than just economic growth; they can be places where communities congregate, businesses flourish, and international investment flows.

LeedsBID Chief Executive Andrew Cooper added: “High Streets are integral to the economic success of our cities and LeedsBID is delighted to be working with colleagues across the UK to support new ideas, initiatives and solutions which support and sustain growth.”

The group will meet quarterly to share learnings and discuss solutions to common challenges faced by high streets across the country – from the rise of retail crime and anti-social behaviour to an unwieldy business rates system and rigid planning laws – as well as elevating shared priorities to a national conversation, while sharing learnings, ideas, and solutions to ensure flagship high streets across the UK thrive for years to come.

Find out more here https://high-streets.co.uk/