New report sets out plan to transform high streets across the East of England

A package of new measures has been unveiled to help transform life for small businesses on the East of England’s ever-evolving high streets, in a major new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Supporting pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, creating mobile phone-based loyalty programmes, and providing accessible public toilets are some of the recommendations aimed at local government to help the region’s small firms thrive and grow. 

The Future of the High Street report, published today (Monday 5 August), calls for local authorities to create a specialised fund to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses to encourage new ventures and help them set up on the high street.

Ros spoke to Ann Scott, development manager for Essex at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).