Browse Bills Blog
Heard the rhetoric about putting Communities at the heart of our High Streets? Where’s the policy to support it?
I've never much rated Brandon Lewis' vision. The minister for high streets has previously argued that the explosion of betting shops, fast food outlets and payday lenders is a sign of a thriving high street. He's in a minority view on this one, as most people...
Our high streets are a more reliable measure of the economy than economists’ forecasts
On the face of it, the latest GDP figures look promising. And the recent poll of over 50 economists that suggests our economy will be back to its pre-crisis size in a matter of months will no doubt be taken as proof by some that the recovery is firmly underway. But...
Bad policy is making the north-south divide worse on the high street
The latest Local Data Company report on empty shops makes grim reading for the north of England. Of the top ten worst town centres for empty shops, seven of them are in the North East or North West. Vacancy rates in the North West and North East continue to rise and...
Bill Grimsey to embark on national tour in support of the high street as part of Labour’s High Streets Advisory Group
Retail champion Bill Grimsey to embark on national tour in support of the high street as part of Labour’s High Streets Advisory Group • Former Wickes CEO to meet local retailers on the future of the high street and highlight Labour’s business rates cut • Group to...
A review of my meeting with Brandon Lewis High Street Minister
We need to think a lot bigger than this, Brandon My meeting last week with the new high streets minister, Brandon Lewis, didn’t have auspicious beginnings. A few days previously Brandon appeared in a London newspaper referring to my high street review as “a...
The future of the high street is still up for grabs
When we set out to publish an alternative review of the high street we all had one thing in mind. We wanted to start a conversation about change and kick-start a different debate about the future of the high street. That much has happened since we launched the Grimsey...
What is scary for the future of the High Street
Halloween! Not as scary as the future of the High Street Planning is an essential part of any business activity. Retailers plan their year around key periods where, if they get it right, sales just go through the roof. For the supermarkets Christmas is the most...
Sign our Government petition and help shape the future
Following the launch of The Grimsey Review (An Alternative Future for the High Street) at a Parliamentary Reception in Westminster we are looking to build on the very strong feedback we have received on business rates. It is clear that businesses feel this tax is out...
Britain’s High Streets & Town Centres deserve better!
As the season of political conferences is upon us it’s that time of year when buzzwords and slogans are everywhere. ‘Britain deserves better than this’ has been the most memorable slogan for me so far, because that’s exactly how I feel about our high streets. ...
This car parking smokescreen can no longer hide the biggest high street issue
This car parking smokescreen can no longer hide the biggest high street issue Somewhere in the corridors of power, in Eric Pickles’ Department of Communities and Local Government no less, is a box of tricks marked ‘diversionary tactics’. It’s full of distraction...
Government and Big Business benefit from Rates revaluation deferral
Government and Big Business benefit from Rates revaluation deferral Following the publication of my alternative review for the High Street, in early September, I am left dumbfounded by the current business rates issue. Much has been written and even said by the great...
High Streets can house thousands
'Councils should welcome this policy' This government is not known for eureka moments, but Nick Boles's announcement that it's time to turn empty shops into homes was as good as it gets. After three years of farcical high street policy that has generated many column...
“Sold Out will make uncomfortable reading, but if you are at all serious about making your High Street a better place, the solution starts here.”
“Bill Grimsey offers a practical and realistic vision for the future of the High Street, which can cater for the needs we really have today.”
“If retailing needs a “Big Bang” moment, then this is a hand grenade of a book” – Joe Cushnan
If you are at all serious about making your High Street a better place, the solution starts here.
In recent years, campaigns have been galvanised to ‘save the High Street’. It seems everyone has a view about how we can revamp our down-at-heel towns and cities. But are they all missing the point?
Veteran retailer Bill Grimsey argues that it is already too late. The High Street as we have grown to know it, is good as dead already. So what happens next?