The Federation of Small Businesses wants to hear from the small businesses that shape UK high streets to help promote the ‘new golden age of the high street’

The ‘‘ is designed to gather data from small businesses to will go on to underpin recommendations to national and local governments on issues such as business rates, parking and transport, access to cash and street cleaning. 

According to the Local Data Company, in 2022 nail and beauty premises took top spots when it comes to net growth across Great British high streets, however hairdressers are the most likely to have closed, proving that beauty premises have faced a tumultuous period in the aftermath of Covid-19.

To find out more about your experiences – from how you engage with your customers, to the benefits of Business Rate Relief – the FSB has collaborated with Verve Partners to curate a 10-minute survey. All business owners that complete the survey are entered into a £250 prize draw.

Data and evidence collected in the survey will be used to lobby the government on the various challenges facing the diverse high streets across the UK. 

Tina McKenzie, Policy and Advocacy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: ‘Changes in consumer behaviour as well as huge hi-tech shifts mean that high streets across the UK are rapidly changing. We know that some big household name high street brands have closed, but barbers, nail salons, microbreweries and independent gyms can offer customers a unique experience.

‘The more SMEs who take this survey, the more influential our collective voices will be. I say to all our SMEs out there: Let us know what experiences you’re having with business rates, with transport and parking, with access to cash; tell us which changes to your local area you think would create the biggest opportunities for your high streets. It’s a time to re-imagine the high street with creative thinking, backed by real public policy.’

Business owner intel is vital for the future of prosperous shopping streets, so have your say today.