Exploring challenges & opportunities for our high streets

An event bringing together commercial experts, retailers and stakeholders took place recently (Tuesday 11th February) to discuss the future of market towns in Buckinghamshire.

High Streets Bucks explored the challenges and opportunities that come with the changing face of the high street. Panel discussions took place around how technology, culture and locally-led approaches are influencing the future of the high streets. The event took place at Pinewood Studios and was attended by over 100 people.

The event was put on by Chiltern and South Bucks District Councils, along with Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe District Councils, in conjunction with Buckinghamshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Buckinghamshire Business First.

Speakers

Speakers included: Andrew Smith, Chairman of the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Director of Corporate Affairs for Pinewood Studios; retail expert Bill Grimsey; Peter Borg-Neal, CEO of Oakman Inns; Steve Norris, National Head of Planning, Development and Regeneration, Lambert Smith Hampton; and Ben Terry, Head of Location Planning at Dixons Carphone.

Panellists

In addition, there were a number of panel discussions featuring: David Cooper (Elgiva Theatre); Diana Fawcett (Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership); Heather Dean (Buckinghamshire Business First), Helen Wylde (Sooth Ltd); Jenny Patten (Bosch); Kieran Arnold (Satellite Applications Catapult); Katy Snelling (Farnham Maltings); Lallie Davis (Bucks County Museum); Matthew Walsh (Princes Risborough Town Council); Melanie Williams (High Wycombe BID Co); Paul Hodson (Buckingham Town Council); and Peter Parfitt (Buckinghamshire County Council).

Bill Grimsey, retail expert, said after the event:

“Today has been a day of so much information thrown at a willing audience. I was absolutely bowled over by the amount of information put to them. It has been a great day for Buckinghamshire. There is no doubt that for Buckinghamshire and its towns, the future is bright; we just need to think about them in a different way. Up and down the country, people are waking up to the challenges of the 21st century. Town centres can be regenerated around their heritage. They can become community hubs. They can become social places for people to meet and enjoy time together. This will include shops, but doesn’t depend on shops. It is about entertainment, education, housing and health. The most important thing is that it is in some sort of plan led by everybody, that benefits the whole community.”

Cllr. John Read, Deputy Leader of South Bucks District Council & Portfolio Holder for Planning & Economic Development, said after the event:

“It’s been a great day and we've heard about some intriguing emerging technology and locally-led opportunities, including cultural and heritage. We’ve seen some of the great things our towns are doing. One thing that has come out loud and clear is the need for a plan for our high streets and for our communities to really take ownership of their place, such as the town and parish councils, working in partnership with local business and community groups. We heard on a number of occasions that the future of the high street cannot be only retail centric.”

Support for high street & town centre businesses

Tourism and hospitality masterclass series

This tourism and hospitality masterclass series, brought to you by Visit Buckinghamshire, Be The Business and Buckinghamshire Business First, will bring Buckinghamshire business leaders together to learn, share and collaborate with each other.

This series is for those in the tourism and hospitality sector.

There are four events in the series:

  • Business Planning - February 25th at Danesfield House, Marlow. Book here >
  • People & Team - 31st March at Hartwell House, Aylesbury. Book here >
  • Digital Readiness - 14th May at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Book here >
  • Sales & Growth - 11th June at Lane End Conference Centre, High Wycombe. Book here >

Business support drop-in sessions

Drop in for coffee and meet our Business Advisers to discuss specific opportunities, or to find out how we might help provide on-going, long-term support and services for your business.

These support sessions take place across the county. The next in the series are below:

  • February 25th – Buckingham Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham. Book here >
  • March 3rd – The Innovation Centre, Silverstone. Book here >
  • March 10th – Buckinghamshire Business First Hub, High Wycombe. Book here >
  • March 17th – Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden. Book here >
  • March 24th – Buckingham Enterprise Hub, University of Buckingham. Book here >
  • April 7th – The Innovation Centre, Silverstone. Book here >

Growth Grants can support business growth

Malt the Brewery is a micro brewery producing traditional ales and contemporary craft beers, based in Prestwood, Great Missenden. As well as operating a British-made 10-brewer-barrel (10BBL) brewery, they run a popular tasting bar and shop from their base in Collings Hanger farm.

A Growth Grant from Buckinghamshire Business First was used to help fund their attendance at a range of customer-facing events which boosted sales, raised their profile and played a vital role in their subsequent success.

Read more about Malt the Brewery's story and how the Growth Grant supported their success.

Discover more about our Growth Grants, part of our Growth Programme.

Buckingham Enterprise Hub

The Buckingham Enterprise Hub is a different kind of work environment, combining learning space with business space. This unique blend may help you rethink your business and inspire you to change the way you do things.

Located in the Vinson Building at the University of Buckingham, the space is shared between Buckinghamshire Business First Members and student entrepreneurs from across the University. The space develops the relationship between the resources and knowledge of the University with the local business community.

Business can use the hot-desking space and the meeting rooms.

For more information, visit the Buckingham Enterprise Hub webpage.