SMALL retail business owners in the north are the most positive in the UK about the future of the high street, according to new research.
Analysis from Visa shows that nine in 10 (91 per cent) small retailers in Northern Ireland are optimistic about the future of their high street, up from 60 per cent a year ago.
Over a quarter (27 per cent) of those surveyed said they are planning to open another high street store in the next 12 months, while the same proportion said they will be looking to recruit new staff.
The outlook is also positive in relation to shoppers in the north, with two-thirds (66 per cent) stating they visit their local high street at least once a week, with those in Belfast visiting more regularly.
Looking to the future local shoppers said they would like to see more clothes shops (43 per cent), pop-up shops (36 per cent) and book shops (34 per cent) on their local high street
The publication of the research coincides with the launch of the Government-run Great British High Street Awards 2019.
High Streets Minister, Jake Berry encouraged local entries for this year's awards.
“Last year more than 200 high streets across the land battled it out in a hotly contested competition to be crowned Britain’s best.
“I would encourage communities across the nation to enter, so their high streets and the people working in them gain the recognition they fully deserve," he said.
Nominations for the awards can be made by local authorities, Business Improvement Districts and – for the first time – groups of high street retailers, from today. Shortlisted entries will be announced in August.
For more information about the Great British High Street Awards 2019 visit: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk.
