BRC: High street's problems go further than economic downturn

Date: 10th September 2010

Small business operators in the UK could be among those interested in one expert's recent comments regarding problems on the high street.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has claimed that the issues facing town centres stem from a number of sources, not just the economic downturn.

It follows the publication of a report by the Local Data Company, which showed that the number of vacant commercial premises in the UK increased in the first half of the year.

Stephen Robertson, BRC director-general, explained that there are many expenses associated with running a town centre business.

"Many of the problems of town centres have more fundamental causes than simply the economic slowdown and they will not disappear just because recovery is underway," he said.

"High street shops are often battling big bills for business rates and rents, parking and access difficulties, as well as failure to manage and invest in the area."

Posted by Thomas Fletcher