A high street renaissance
In the early days of his tenure as Prime Minister, Burnham has already taken steps to boost the economy by reducing business rates for music venues, pubs and hospitality businesses. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage widespread economic growth. However, industry experts note that fashion retailers, a crucial component of the UK’s urban landscape, have yet to receive similar support.
Mary Portas, a retail consultant and broadcaster, observes that Burnham aims to connect with the populace. “He’s trying to be the man of the people,” she comments, while acknowledging the challenges he faces. Since 2011, Portas has advocated for high street rejuvenation, contributing to the Portas Review during David Cameron’s coalition government. In his initial address as MP for Makerfield in June, delivered at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Burnham questioned, “Shouldn’t we make our high streets the new symbol of Britain’s renaissance?” Portas adds that for this renaissance to be genuine, high streets must exude vibrancy, community, and joy reminiscent of past decades, particularly the 1980s.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, concurs that independent fashion and lifestyle retailers have faced significant difficulties. He calls for a comprehensive British business plan that includes fashion retailers, not just the hospitality sector. Describing fashion as the weakest sector on the high street, he emphasizes the need for business rates reform and addressing the “low-value import threshold” that brings in cheap fashion without fair tax contributions.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reports that 400,000 retail jobs have been lost over the past decade. Tom Holder, a spokesperson for the consortium, highlights their Retail Manifesto for 2026, which proposes 10 steps to rejuvenate high streets. Key measures include reducing employment costs for young people, reforming employment rights, and adjusting business rates. Holder stresses the urgency of addressing electricity costs and the importance of a balanced mix of independent and large retailers.
Portas, whose agency We Are Portas recently collaborated on a Gen Z report with Snapchat, believes the future lies with independent retailers rather than large chains. The report found that 51% of Gen Z prefer shopping in physical stores, compared to 35% who favor online purchases. Portas notes the emergence of innovative business models where entrepreneurs create shared retail spaces. She envisions reviving concepts like Hyper Hyper, an iconic ’80s marketplace, across communities, fostering spaces where creativity and individuality thrive.
