Key Speakers

• Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee
• Clare Bailey, “The Retail Champion” and High Street Expert
• Polly Barnfield OBE, CEO of Maybe* Tech
• Marion Roberts, Emeritus Professor of Urban Design, and Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow for Urban Night Research
• Paul Clement, CEO of Ipswich Central
• Robert Holder, Town Centre Commercial Advisor at National Historic England

 Program

Build strong partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the sector remains competitive and sustainable

• Discuss priorities for the implementation of the 2021 Build Back Better High Streets strategy
• Identify strategies for ensuring a coordinated recovery and a smooth transition into the reopening of high street stores
• Discuss strategies for revitalising local high streets and town centres and regaining footfall in a socially distanced retail sector
• Consider ways to prevent further shop closures and job losses in the retail sector
• Analyse the impact of the growing online retail sector and develop a ‘hybrid’ sales strategy
• Evaluate the role of high streets as a part of our national infrastructure in a post-Covid world
• Discuss the extent to which changing attitudes to clothing and fast fashion are impacting the maintenance of local high streets and the importance of shopping habits
• Explore opportunities for redesigning the UK high street so as to maximise the consumer experience, particularly with regard to accessibility measures
• Discuss and share ideas for involving parties such as local authorities, community groups, and residents, in future plans for local high streets and town centres
• Evaluate new technologies, innovations and ideas to deliver good quality of service without needing high levels of investment

To register please email Jayendra Doorganah jdoorgunah@parlistudies.org and ask for a registration form