ACT Backs Enquiry into State of UK retail

LONDON, UK (June 14) - ACT is backing a parliamentary enquiry to investigate trends in the UK retail market with a view to answering public concerns about creeping centralisation. The Parliamentary All Party Small Shops Group, of which ACT is a member, launched the enquiry on 8th June with the endorsement of more than 50 MP’s to understand what the British high street will look like in 10 years time. Jim Dowd, Chair of the Small Shops Group said “My colleagues and I have become aware of the increasing concerns of our constituents, independent retailers and academics alike regarding the loss of diversity and amenity within the retail sector. Constituents have raised their fears about the breakdown of town and country life of which the retail industry is an integral part. This enquiry will look at the broad spectrum of criteria for a thriving high street and the role this plays in the community.” The report will be compiled by the Retail Enterprise Network, an ACT affiliate partner from Manchester Metropolitan University, and will provide a view of how the typical UK high street will look in 2015 if there is no further Government regulation in this area. It will also investigate the extent to which consumer utility will be affected by existing trends. The report will make clear recommendations to the Department of Trade & Industry plus the Office of Fair Trading which it is hoped will then shape future public policy in this area. ACT’s Mark Brown said “The IBD sector is one of many independent markets facing continued pressure on the high street. We welcome this enquiry and hope it will focus Government and industry to better understand how these pressures can be met. With supermarkets expanding their non-food business, plus fears over growing red-tape, crime and property prices amongst others, we expect IBDs to face growing challenges which risk the loss of choice, service and diversity on our high streets.”