SaveTheHighStreet.org, a partner of SmallBusiness.co.uk, is a coordinated industry-wide initiative to support and empower local shopkeepers nationwide.
The movement is powered by a Retailer Advisory Board of 300+ independent local businesses, alongside a growing network of industry leaders and thousands of high street supporters across the UK.
It is tackling subjects such as high street footfall, changing customer needs, innovations for local shops, rents, business rates, skills development and much more. SaveTheHighStreet.org launched in August 2016 and now engages 10,000+ local businesses each week.
Why the initiative was founded
SaveTheHighStreet.org believes the thought of our high streets becoming boarded up ghost towns, Amazon pickup points, blocks of flats or lookalike corporate chains is terrifying, with livelihoods, local communities and economies everywhere at stake.
In the summer of 2016, a diverse group of shopkeepers, organisations and individuals came together to make a common stand for a different high street future – a modernised and empowered high street where small businesses can thrive for generations to come.
As a coordinated industry-wide initiative there was an opportunity for the playing field to be levelled like never before, making it easier to set up and succeed on the high street.
What are the ‘Industry Standards’?
Research with the The Retailer Advisory Board and Industry Leaders throughout 2017 has helped identify ‘what works’ for local businesses on the high street today.
SaveTheHighStreet.org says these insights are being organised into the first ever industry standard recommendations for success on the high street, driven ‘by retailers for retailers’.
The movement is analysing every aspect of running a successful modern business on the high street, designing specific recommendations within each of the ten pillars from The Connected Digital High Street Manifesto – data, discovery, fulfilment, in-store experience, product, brand, loyalty, team, money and community.
You can join the SaveTheHighStreet.org movement by clicking here.
Over the coming weeks, content on the Industry Standards will also be shared on SmallBusiness.co.uk.
SaveTheHighStreet.org is a supporting partner of the British Small Business Awards, organised by SmallBusiness.co.uk and taking place on November 1 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London. For more information, visit the British Small Business Awards website here.
