September 2022
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This conference examined the next steps for development of England’s high streets and town centres.
Stakeholders and policymakers assessed proposals in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill and key issues around:
- investment in town centres and promoting local growth
- reforms to the planning system
- restoring pride of place in high streets and town centres
The conference was also a timely opportunity to discuss the future direction of government policy under a new prime minister.
It took place alongside the Government’s tabled programme of legislation for levelling up and regional development, including the proposed establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank in statute, and proposals for reform of public procurement in the Procurement Bill.
Areas for discussion included:
- planning - likely impact of proposed reforms on town centre regeneration - local commercial development and economic growth - challenges to business adaptation and project management
- digital insight - learning from the use of data analytics and innovation harnessed in strategy implemented since the pandemic
- local economic strategy - investment - opportunities for promoting SME business growth - community enterprise and collaboration - effectiveness of local government policy for economic growth
- pride of place - case studies, strategies and initiatives in restoration projects, community engagement and improvements to local areas
- retail - future of retail on England’s high streets - proposals for business rates reform - challenges to local business growth and operations - promoting collaboration with community stakeholders and enterprises
We were pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Paul Scully MP, Minister of State for Local Government, Faith and Communities, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; and Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from BEIS; DfT; DLUHC; HM Treasury; and The Scottish Government.
