As the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Small Shops and an active member of the APPG on the Town Centre, North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson this week called together Swindon’s key retailers to take part in a retail forum.
The forum was an opportunity for the retailers to meet with Justin, the British Retail Consortium and the Business Improvement District management company inSwindon to discuss the current health of Swindon’s Town Centre and how it can be improved in the future.
Discussion ranged from the positive impact of the cut in car parking charges to the challenge of the internet. Retailers were also able to exchange ideas about regeneration projects and different ways in which the Government can help struggling retailers. The forthcoming Mary Portas High Street review was also raised.
The forum then visited three very different businesses in Swindon to discuss their specific challenges and successes. An independent camera retailer, Great Western Cameras, McDonalds, which is run on a franchise model and national chain Marks and Spencer.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Despite challenging economic times, Swindon town centre has been bucking the trend, supported by the pro-active work of InSwindon, Swindon Council's decision to cut parking charges and significant investment into the town centre. It is essential that local retailers continue to work together to champion Swindon's case for future regeneration opportunities."