This week, Mary Portas presented her review to Government which contained the measures she believes are required to improve the fortunes of the UK’s beleaguered high streets.
Generally, her examination of the high street is to be commended. Coming from a retail background her report is both refreshing and thorough.
She has managed to recycle a number of initiatives which have previously failed to gain influence, momentum and ultimately success but to be fair, that was likely the result of poor or non-existent funding previously.
Portas’ idea of “Town Teams” could work as long as they are funded properly and have the right mix of retailers (local and national), landlords as well as local politicians – all of whom need to have the desire, interest and ability to make the individual town centre concerned succeed.
The recommendation for “Super-BIDs” could again be a shrewd move. So far, existing BIDs have not really improved the fortunes of town centres as far as I can see. Previously, BIDs were funded entirely by ratepayers and as a result landlords had little say or influence. The new BIDs will need to be fully inclusive and all stakeholders need to be represented.
My personal favourite is the suggestion for “…local authorities should bring in free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres…” and that we should also have a new parking league table. Now we are getting there! Well done Mary.
I liked too, her idea of a “…contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants…” I totally agree – what landlord cannot afford to do this in today’s market? There are many examples of this across the sector, from the biggest Plc landlord to the smallest single owner/investor. We are all in this together.
On the flip side, Portas’ suggestion of making it easier for people to become market traders needs to be carefully thought about. If Mary wants to encourage anyone to set up a pitch on the high street, you’ve got to consider how that will affect the successful businesses already represented and who are paying rates and rent for their fixed locations. Market traders already pay no rates and low rents.
Personally, I don’t agree with her recommendation to further “…explore disincentives to prevent landlords from leaving units vacant.” No landlord wants to leave a property vacant, least of all those who rely on income in the form of rent to pay the mortgage. Putting additional pressure on these owners will lead to forced sales and bad landlords moving in.
If Government really wants to make a difference and achieve the potential this report contains, then commitment through legislation and funding will both be required. We look forward to its response which is set to be delivered in the spring.
Ultimately, we need to make our town centres different, vibrant and interesting and meet the needs of the local population too. There is some good stuff in Mary’s review, let’s hope the Government can act positively and improve our high street’s fortunes.
Bob Fletcher
Partner, Agency
(0191) 269 0103
bob.fletcher@sw.co.uk
