Launch of Great British High Street competition 2016

•  Last year’s competition had 230 entries and over 200,000 public votes
• This year’s competition will be “bigger and better''
• Investment in the high street is up by 30% and the national vacancy rate has fallen to its lowest level since January 2009

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones today (7 July 2016) called on communities across the country to enter their villages, towns and cities into the Great British High streets competition 2016.

Now in its 3rd year, the competition celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and is an opportunity for councils, businesses, community groups and volunteers to learn from the very best.

Last year’s competition saw a record-breaking 230 entries and attracted over 200,000 public votes, with Bishy Road in York, a former finalist, crowned Britain’s best.

With new categories, new prizes, including the chance to win up to £ 10,000 each, the Minister said he expected to see even more competition entries, this year.

The Government is helping local business communities adapt to the changing face of high streets, with a £6.7 billion package of business rates support, to cut the rates for 900,000 businesses – with 600,000 now paying none at all.

Investment in the high street is up by 30%, the national vacancy rate has fallen to its lowest level since January 2009 and retail sales have increased year-on-year for the longest period on record.

Speaking on a launch visit to Camden High Street, Marcus Jones said:

 “With a record number of entries and 200,000 public votes cast, last year’s competition was a massive success.

“This year’s Great British High Streets Competition is going to be even bigger and better, with new categories and a simplified entry form.

“I’d urge everyone to get involved to showcase the hard work of your community, in keeping high streets the life and soul of our towns, villages and cities.”

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association and Chairman of the High Streets Partnership Working Group said:

“This is a hugely exciting time for our high streets. We have seen some really excellent examples where great leadership, collaboration and partnership have led to regeneration, more footfall and as a result, more sustainable high streets. 

“The 2016 Great British High Street's Competition is supported by great brands and companies who between them represent over 22,000 outlets.  Just look at what has already been achieved, and encourage your local high street to enter this year.”

The nine competition categories for places are:

• Best City Centre High Street
• Best Town Centre High Street
• Best Market Town High Street (small)
• Best Market Town High Street (large)
• Best Coastal Community High Street
• Best Village High Street
• Best Local Centre – precinct or parade of shops
• Best London High Street
• Rising Star - to recognise towns who are turning fortunes around 

The four competition categories for individuals are:

• Best Store Manager or Employee from a National Retailer / Organisation
• Best Store Manager or Employee from an Independent / Small Business
• Best Market Manager, Operator, Farmer  or Trader
• Best under 25 year old, manager or employee from a high street business

Nominations are now open across England, Wales and Scotland. The top 3 shortlisted in each category will be announced in October.  They will then go through to a public online vote and be visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

Details of how to enter the competition can be found at on the Great British High Street website. 

The deadline for entries is Friday, 9 September 2016

Further information

• The Great British High Street competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by Boots, the British Council of Shopping Centres, Ellandi, Holland and Barratt, Marks and Spencer, the Post Office and Wilko.
• The Google Digital Garage is a workshop which includes sessions for businesses on finding and keeping customers online and the chance to have one-to-one consultations with Google specialists to chat through their businesses digital needs.

For more information or to enter your high street visit the Great British High Street website

Last year’s winners were:

• City Category – St Giles Street, Northampton
• Coastal Category – Amble, Northumberland
• Market Town – Helmsley, Yorkshire
• Local Centre – Bishopthorpe Road, Yorkshire (also chosen as overall high street champion)
• Village Category –West Kilbride, Scotland
• Town Centre – Rotherham, Yorkshire
• London – Pitshanger Lane, Ealing
• Best Newcomer – Faulkner Street, Hoole
  
  We have published a good practice guide,  that includes practical advice and guidance from last year’s winners, sharing tips and real life examples of how high streets across the country have risen to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. For more information see http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/good-practice-guide