Survey respondents can be entered into a prize draw to win £250 as a thank you for taking part.

Small businesses across Greater London are being invited to have their say on the future of the high street, by taking part in a UK-wide survey by FSB on issues such as business rate relief, public transport and parking, access to cash and street cleaning.

The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK government, Greater London Authority, London Boroughs Councils and City of London Corporation to help the capital’s high streets to flourish into the future.

The survey will run from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey

Michael Lassman, FSB London Regional Chair said: “I encourage all small businesses in London to spare a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey. High streets are essential for small businesses, providing a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride, as well as opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities. Sustainable high streets are key to a flourishing capital city and the surrounding areas. The more responses we get from businesses in the Greater London area, the better their specific views can underpin recommendations.”

The public highly values small businesses on the high street, according to recent research by FSB and Public First; A majority of respondents said that small businesses were more important than large businesses for the following categories: Keeping traditional craft and skills alive (78%), pride in local communities (76%), providing unique services and products (72%), and growing the local economy (57%).

Previous policy research by FSB has been central to understanding small business experience and perceptions of high streets and the policies impacting them. An FSB policy report Streets Ahead (March 2020) highlighted small business experiences of the high street before the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that at least 52 per cent of businesses in the Greater London region were operated on or next to their local high street, representing a significant and important section of the capital’s small business sector.

Please take part – have your say – help make a difference to the future of your local London high street. Thank you.

Kind regards,