Month: October 2023

Business confidence dips in Scotland – Bank of Scotland Business Barometer

SCOTTISH BUSINESSES REPORT RISE IN ECONOMIC OPTIMISTISM

  • Business confidence in Scotland fell three points during September to 33%, but remains above the year-to-date average of 30%
  • Firms’ optimism in the economy rose 10 points to 29% as Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (40%), entering new markets (39%) and investing in their team (30%)
  • Overall UK business confidence dipped five points in September from 41% to 36%, with firms’ outlook on future trading prospects down marginally on last month’s reading of 46% to 41%

Business confidence in Scotland fell three points during September to 33%, but remains above the year-to-date average of 30%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 14 points at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 10 points to 29%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 33%.

Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (40%), entering new markets (39%) and investing in their team (30%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 31% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.

National picture

Overall UK business confidence fell five points in September from 41% to 36%. Firms’ outlook on their own trading prospects remained strong at 41% despite a five-point drop on last month, and their optimism in the UK economy also remained robust at 30%, down by seven points on August’s reading.

Businesses hiring intentions remained upbeat with 26% of firms reporting plans to increase their staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.

Companies in London reported the highest levels of business confidence for the second consecutive month at 44% (down eight points month-on-month). Firms in Yorkshire reported the second highest reading at 40% (up eight points month-on-month), followed by those in the North West at 38% (up four points month on month).

The fall in business confidence this month centred around the retail and services sectors, following strong sentiment in August. Retail confidence fell to 32% (down 12 points) dragged down in particular by trading prospects, while services confidence declined to 36% (down eight points). Construction confidence also fell to 36% (down eight points). However, manufacturing was stronger, with confidence rising to a three month high of 36% (up six points).

Chris Lawrie, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Despite a small dip this month business confidence in Scotland remains positive, with many firms seeking opportunities to grow by expanding their teams and investing in new markets.

“As we move into the winter months, those operating in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors should be planning carefully for any increase in Christmas trade and getting ready to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. We’ll remain firmly by the side of businesses to support their ambitions and offer the tailored funding needed to thrive.”

Paul Gordon, managing director for SME and Mid Corporates at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “As part of the Barometer survey data, we asked firms what represents the biggest issue for the UK Economy. The overwhelming answer from businesses this month was a combination of inflation, interest rates and energy prices.

“With recent data from various organisations in August showing inflationary measures having their desired effect, including our own UK Sector Tracker which showed demand falling across most sectors, the coming months may see a more stable environment where prices are concerned.

“Energy prices, from the wholesale market, have decreased and while businesses are not eligible for the same consumer price cap, most businesses will have longer term agreements with energy suppliers that shelter them somewhat from short term volatility. However, as we move into winter, it would be prudent for businesses to review their utility contracts and see if there are savings to be made.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While the gains in business confidence we saw in August have not been maintained, it’s important to see the wider trend clearly reflected in the data which paints a very different picture to this time 12 months ago, when the economy was in significant difficulties.

“Despite some month-to-month movements, if you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and now an average of 27% in the third.

“Although the economic environment remains uncertain with inflation and interest rate pressures playing their part, the recent decision by the Bank of England to leave interest rates unchanged is likely to help businesses feel more upbeat about the future, which may underpin confidence in the last three months of the year.”

Looking back to look forward: Edinburgh employee shares trailblazing career story

A software development manager from Edinburgh has reflected on his 17-year career at Amazon to mark the company’s 25th anniversary in the UK. 

Since Amazon.co.uk launched in the UK in 1998, Amazon has invested in innovation, local talent and communities across the UK through its world-class development centres in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Manchester and Swansea.

The company’s highly skilled workforce has been at the forefront of world-class innovations that are benefitting the lives of customers and employees around the world – from how people watch their favourite shows, to how they shop and work.

Tich Kent, who works at Amazon’s Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh, is one of the employees who has shaped Amazon’s development in the UK and beyond. He has worked at Amazon since 2005, and has risen through the ranks ever since.

Tich is now a software development manager at Amazon’s Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh. A tech trailblazer, he continues to revolutionise customer shopping experiences, while setting an example for future generations of software engineers. As Amazon reaches 25 years in the UK, he shares his 17-year career story.

Tich joined Amazon in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. He was part of the team who coined Amazon’s personalised recommendation tool that suggests items to customers based on their previous purchases and browsing behaviour.

“When I first joined Amazon, we were only selling books, music and DVDs. I was here when we introduced Prime delivery in the UK, and I was part of making the home page on Amazon as helpful to customers as it is today.

As you can imagine, we’ve embraced different ways on how to use AI to make the ­experience even better, so things keep changing and evolving. We’re still at the forefront of jumping on new technology and applying it to benefit our customers.”

Speaking about innovating in this space, Tich says: “By bringing a team of machine-learning scientists and engineers together, we were able to genuinely innovate. Formulating this team was thrilling, as we were working on novel technologies that applied deep learning to a scale that hadn’t been done before, and in such an exciting space.

What Tich and his team did next transformed the customer shopping experience for everyday items. “When we were looking at product recommendations, most approaches filtered out products the customer had previously purchased. This is good in general, but there are a range of products like shampoo and toiletries that need to be repeatedly purchased.

“I was responsible for creating a team to help customers by recommending such repeat products in a timely and engaging manner. It was the first time I had created a team from scratch, setting the vision, experimenting with ideas and measuring our impact. When we had our first successful launch, that validated the team and our approach. I’m still incredibly proud of what we achieved for our customers in such a short space of time.”

Alongside his work at the development centre, Tich is one of the leads for the Amazon Bar Raiser Programme in Europe. A bar raiser is an interviewer at Amazon who is brought into the hiring process to be an objective third party. The goal of the programme is to raise the standard with every new Amazon hire, ensuring that the company is always serving, surprising and innovating for customers.

Tich spoke about why the programme is so important, saying: “Amazon’s bar raiser programme is such a valuable tool, because it means we’ll always be getting the very best talent into the business, so we can keep on innovating, having an experimental mindset, and taking big leaps to solve problems.

“For me personally, the programme also means that I’ve seen incredibly talented people grow and develop over the years. This has been hugely satisfying.”

As a member of Amazon’s community initiatives committee, Tich has also had the opportunity over the years to engage with the community around Amazon Development Centre Scotland. As a Linlithgow local, this is something Tich cares deeply about.

“Another aspect of doing good business is making a positive impact the communities around you. We regularly donate to local charities, many of which I’ve developed a personal relationship with over the past decade. It’s simply being responsible.

“We’re also embracing Amazon’s apprenticeship scheme, and with two apprentices in my own team, I love seeing how the programme continues to grow. There’s so much yet to be done, and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Since Amazon.co.uk launched in the UK in 1998, its mission from day one has been: what can deliver the best experience for customers?

It’s this customer obsession that has been the driving force behind every new product, service and technology that also benefits the lives of communities, small businesses and employees – including the software that enables customers to watch their favourite shows on any device, the just-walk-out technology simplifying how shoppers get their groceries, and the latest robotics helping to pick out customer parcels.

Innovation at Amazon starts with people. The company employs around 75,000 employees who innovate on behalf of customers every day. Amazon is a significant contributor to productivity and regional growth in key cities around the UK, through development sites and collaboration with academic and research institutions.

You can read more at https://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/innovation/amazon-innovations-timeline

RoSPA’s 10 year review into water safety policies released

New research from RoSPA shows that Scotland’s water safety collaboration is at a high, but more local councils need to develop water safety policies

Water safety collaboration in Scotland reaches record high, but more policy commitment from Local Government is needed. That’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), following the release of its 10-year review of water safety policy in the country.

Supported by Water Safety Scotland, RoSPA’s research set out to understand the current picture of Scotland’s water safety at local government level to develop policies and programmes that better tackle drowning.

Encouragingly, RoSPA saw responses from all 32 Scottish local authorities, with91 per cent of local authorities ranking water safety as an important issue in relation to other service demands, and 68 per cent having a named person or department responsible for water safety.

Compared to 2013 when only 44 per cent of respondents had a named water safety lead, this shows an overall improved awareness of water safety, and an increasing commitment to its improvement in the region.

Crucially though, only 25 per cent of Scotland’s local authorities have a water safety policy in place.

According to data from the Water Incident Database (WAID), the number of drownings in Scotland is disproportionate to the rest of the UK. Scotland’s rate of accidental drowning is 0.82 per 100,000, which is triple the rate of England and nearly double that of Northern Ireland.

WAID data shows there were 45 accidental drowning fatalities in Scotland and a further 37 water related suicides in 2022. Although there have been small decreases in accidental fatalities, it is clear that drowning fatalities and water-related harm remains a serious issue in Scotland.

Carlene McAvoy, Leisure Safety Manager at RoSPA, said: “This 10-year comparative research shows an improved picture of water safety in Scotland, demonstrating that the issue is further up the radar of local councils.

“Furthermore, most local authorities were aware of Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Strategy, and in many cases, work closely with Water Safety Scotland.

“However, it is also clear that there is a clear need for policy-level commitments to water safety – and we believe all local authorities should aim to have a  water safety policy no later than 2026, in line with Scotland’s Drowning Prevention Policy.

“We encourage all of Scotland’s local authorities to take water safety seriously by creating thorough water safety policies that help protect people in our communities.”

Cineworld celebrates Black History Month & 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with special screenings in October

Cineworld is proud to announce a month-long celebration of Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a curated selection of films this October. The cinema chain will be showcasing 3 iconic titles that have not only defined cinema, but also shaped the global music scene.

Throughout the month, moviegoers can immerse themselves into the vibrant tapestry of African American culture, as well as the revolutionary sounds of hip hop with selected films: “Do The Right Thing,” “Boyz n’ the Hood,” and “Straight Outta Compton,” each of which stand as monumental pillars in the history of both cinema and music.

Here’s a breakdown of the screenings across the month of October:

Do The Right Thing

Screening Date: October 10th, 2023

Spike Lee’s groundbreaking film “Do The Right Thing” will transport audiences to the sweltering streets of Brooklyn on the hottest day of the year. With its poignant social commentary and memorable characters, this film is a timeless exploration of race, culture, and community. The film’s powerful impact is further amplified by its iconic hip-hop soundtrack, featuring tracks like Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” which serves as an anthemic backdrop to the film’s themes of activism and resistance.

Boyz n’ the Hood

Screening Date: October 17th, 2023

John Singleton’s powerful and influential coming-of-age drama, “Boyz n’ the Hood,” offers a deeply affecting look at life in South Central Los Angeles. The film’s portrayal of friendship, family, and the challenges faced by young African Americans in urban environments continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, while its iconic hip hop soundtrack serves as a timeless companion to the film’s impactful narrative.

Straight Outta Compton

Screening Date: October 24th, 2023

F. Gary Gray’s “Straight Outta Compton” chronicles the rise of the iconic hip-hop group N.W.A. This biographical drama showcases the group’s impact on music and culture while shedding light on the social and political issues of the time.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience these cinematic classics on the big screen and join us in celebrating Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of hip hop this October.

For tickets and showtimes, please visit www.cineworld.com/black-history-month

Edinburgh Leisure: Unlocking unlimited softplay

Inspire kids to get the active habit. With Edinburgh Leisure’s Young Explorer soft-play membership, children get to sample the world of sport and fitness from an early age.

For new customers signing up to become a member in October, December is completely free. And for existing members referring a friend, if their friends join, the existing member will also receive a free month in December.

From only £17.99* per month, the Young Explorer Soft Play Membership offers incredible value, fantastic flexibility and of course, will keep little ones entertained and burning off energy as they explore the amazing soft plays.

Little adventurers can visit as many times as they wish, enjoying unlimited fun at any of Edinburgh Leisure’s three soft play venues across the city at Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Tumbles at Portobello, and Scrambles at EICA: Ratho.

Edinburgh Leisure’s play frames are suitable for children up to ten years old and there are frames for babies, toddlers, and juniors up to 10 years.  Each venue has a café where healthy snacks and tasty treats can be enjoyed.

With great member benefits including special offers, members’ events and other exclusive perks, the Edinburgh Leisure soft play is only available to buy online.

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/softplaycampaign

Portobello walking group wins national award

A DEDICATED group of individuals who run a weekly walking group have been recognised by the nation’s walking charity at its annual awards presentation. 

Portobello Prom – Ageing Well has won the prestigious Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year at Paths for All’s Volunteer Awards. 

The group, set up with Edinburgh Leisure, enables individuals to walk at a leisurely pace across the seaside promenade as a way of keeping people active and connected who may otherwise struggle to do so.

More than 20 participants join the walks on a weekly basis, some of whom live with dementia. The Ageing Well team has accommodating those individuals through specialist training which has been coordinated by Paths for All and Edinburgh Leisure. 

Volunteer Walk Leader, David Simpson said: “The group was set up many years ago to provide people with an outlet to come and interact with others while also keeping active. 

“There is a huge variety of individuals who attend our walks and some of those people do live with dementia, for them – and their loved ones and carers – it’s a great chance to get out and about and speak with other people who may be living with something similar.” 

“As Walk Leaders we try and do our best to keep the participants happy and motivated.” 

“While keeping active is great, it’s the social aspect of walking which I feel is really powerful, and so becoming a Walk Leader was an easy way to give back to my community.” 

Kay Parsons, Active Communities Supervisor (Volunteers) at Edinburgh Leisure, said:  “Winning the Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking Volunteer Group of the Year 2023 award is testament to the hard work, friendliness, and ability of all the volunteers to make those attending feel included and welcome. 

“The Ageing Well Portobello Walking group volunteers have been going for years, keeping our Dementia Friendly walk going in all weathers in Scotland. They go up and down Portobello Prom, and for many of our 20-30 odd weekly participants, this is the only time they get outside into the fresh air. 

“They get to enjoy the seaside air, a stroll and a chat and tea in a cafe afterwards. The volunteers keep them motivated and laughing, and one participant told me she “forgets she has Dementia when on a walk with the volunteers.” 

Hosted by the BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker, with awards presented by sponsoring MSP Nicola Sturgeon, the event recognised 10 groups and individuals throughout Scotland who have gone the extra mile to keep their communities active. 

Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport “Supporting people in Scotland to walk and wheel is a key part of our vision of a country where more people are more active, more often. 

“A huge number of highly motivated and skilled people are helping us deliver this vision, especially the passionate volunteers who do so much to help others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate activities across the country. 

“They really are inspirational, the recognition from Paths for All in these Awards is very well deserved.” 

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer at Paths for All, said: “Every year I am blown away at the number of incredible groups and volunteers out there determined to make a difference.

“The work carried out by volunteers is directly improving the nation’s physical, mental and social health, reducing social isolation and loneliness and helping people make more environmentally friendly lifestyle choices. 

“It’s been fantastic hosting the awards at the Scottish Parliament again this year, I always enjoy getting to socialise with our amazing volunteers and hear first-hand about the invaluable contributions they have been making. 

“Thank you to everyone for their efforts and ongoing dedication.” 

Paths for All works with the Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national policies, such as the National Walking Strategy and other ‘active travel’ initiative to improve the mental, social and physical health of the country. 

The charity awards thousands of pounds worth of grants to worthwhile projects that improve health, promote walking and improve environments for people to be active in – making for a happier, healthier, greener Scotland. 

To find out more about Ageing Well walks in your area visit: 

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/ageing-well-walks 

A full list of Volunteer Award winners 2023 can be found on Paths for All’s website: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteerawards 

Harvest Thanksgiving for Scotland’s farmers at St Giles Cathedral today

The Royal Highland & Agriculture Society of Scotland (RHASS) will host an inaugural Harvest Thanksgiving today (Sunday 1st October) at the historic St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. This extraordinary event will honour the hard work of Scottish farmers and primary food producers, whilst highlighting the need to reduce food waste. 

From 11am to 12pm, the free-to-attend Harvest Thanksgiving event will bring the countryside right into the heart of Edinburgh with a tractor and combine harvester on proud display in Parliament Square beside the Cathedral. 

The event will feature a display of ‘wonky’ seasonal fruits and vegetables, typically rejected by supermarkets, to create a vibrant display. The produce will be generously donated by local farmers from East and West Lothian, and afterwards it will be donated to charities including The Salvation Army, Cyrenians and Social Bite. 

Open to everyone, the Harvest Thanksgiving will feature a heartwarming Sunday all and no-faith service with readings by former RHASS Chaplain Angus Morrison.  

The featured tractors are kindly provided by RHASS Director, Bill Gray MBE.  

RHASS Chairman, Jim Warnock, commented: “Our first Harvest Thanksgiving celebration will celebrate the resilience and tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, all while supporting great charities.

“RHASS champions rural Scotland and all those who work in it, and at this time of year they are under huge pressure. Join us at St Giles Cathedral this Sunday to show our appreciation for those who put food on our tables.” 

The Harvest Thanksgiving service will be led by Rev Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral. She said: “We are very excited that we have been able to work closely together with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland to draw the attention of passers-by, not only to our Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday which they are welcome to join, but also to highlight the vital role that Scottish farmers play in providing great quality food. 

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food. 

“We are also very grateful to local farmers for all the donations of vegetables that will be used to decorate the sanctuary of St Giles’ Cathedral for Harvest Sunday which will be later given to people most in need.” 

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk 

POWER TO THE PEOPLE?

Prime Minister to put local people in control of more than £1 billion with long-term plan for left-behind towns

  • Fifty five towns – seven in Scotland – given £20 million endowment-style funds each over 10 years to invest in local people’s priorities
  • Long-term Plan for Towns will empower communities across the UK to take back control of their future – taking long term decisions in the interests of local people 
  • Funding to be spent on local priorities; reviving high streets, tackling ASB, improving transport and growing the local economy   

The UK Government has unveiled 55 towns that will benefit from a £1.1 billion levelling up investment, as part of a long-term plan for towns that provide long-term investment in towns that have been overlooked and taken for granted. 

Towns that will be given the opportunity to develop a long-term plan supported by a Towns Board include 6 in the North East, 10 in the North West, and 4 in the West Midlands. In total, 55 towns will benefit from the UK-wide approach, including 7 towns in Scotland and 4 in Wales.  

The Government will work with local councils and the devolved administrations to determine how towns in Scotland and Wales will benefit from funding and powers under the long-term plans. In Northern Ireland, we look forward to working with a restored Executive to determine the approach to providing support there. 

Under the new approach, local people, not Whitehall-based politicians, will be put in charge, and given the tools to change their town’s long-term future. They will:   

  • Receive a ten-year £20 million endowment-style fund to be spent on local people’s priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety.    
  • Set up a Town Board to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities, and the local MP, to deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation.   
  • Use a suite of regeneration powers to unlock more private sector investment by auctioning empty high street shops, reforming licensing rules on shops and restaurants, and supporting more housing in town centres.     

More than half the population live in towns, but half-empty high streets, run-down town centres and anti-social behaviour undermine towns in every part of the UK.

Yesterday’s announcement marks a change in approach that the government hopes will put an end to people feeling like their town is ignored by Westminster and empower communities to take back control of their future, taking long term decisions in the interests of local people.  

The announcement came on the eve of the Conservative party conference – perhaps the last gathering of the Tory faithful before the general election. 

This plan builds on the Government’s ‘central mission’ to level up the UK by putting more power and money in the hands of people who know their areas best to build a brighter future for their community, creating bespoke initiatives that will spark the regeneration needed.    

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “Towns are the place most of us call home and where most of us go to work. But politicians have always taken towns for granted and focused on cities.  

“The result is the half-empty high streets, run-down shopping centres and anti-social behaviour that undermine many towns’ prosperity and hold back people’s opportunity – and without a new approach, these problems will only get worse. 

“That changes today. Our Long-Term Plan for Towns puts funding in the hands of local people themselves to invest in line with their priorities, over the long-term. That is how we level up.”

Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove said: “We know that in our towns the values of hard work and solidarity, common sense and common purpose, endeavour and quiet patriotism have endured across generations. But for too long, too many of our great British towns have been overlooked and undervalued.  

“We are putting this right through our Long-Term Plan for Towns backed by over £1bn of levelling up funding.   

“This will empower communities in every part of the UK to take back control of their future, taking long term decisions in the interests of local people. It will mean more jobs, more opportunities and a brighter future for our towns and the people who live and work in them.”

The government’s ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’, published today, is carefully designed to complement the wider levelling up programme, working alongside funding for specific projects across the UK, our targeted support to the places most in need through Levelling Up Partnerships, and initiatives supporting economic growth in wider city regions like investment zones.     

The Long-Term Plan for Towns will require town boards to develop their own long-term plan for their town, with funding over 10 years and aligned to the issues that research shows people want the most, including:  

  • Improving transport and connections to make travel easier for residents and increase visitor numbers in centres to boost opportunities for small businesses and create jobs
  • Tackling crime and anti social behaviour to keep residents safe and encourage visitors through better security measures and hotspot policing    
  • Enhancing town centres to make high streets more attractive and accessible, including repurposing empty shops for new housing, creating more green spaces, cleaning up streets or running market days   

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the launch of the UK Government’s Long Term Plan for Towns.

“It’s great to see that seven Scottish towns will benefit from £20 million each from the latest round of levelling up funding which so far has seen us invest more than £2.4 billion right across Scotland to help grow our economy and level up the country.

“I look forward to seeing these towns – and the communities within them – use this investment to breathe new life into the places where they live, work and play.”

Local people will be at the heart of decisions, through direct membership of a new Towns Board, which will include community groups, MPs, businesses, cultural and sports organisations, public sector agencies and local authorities for each town and through a requirement to engage local people on the long-term plan for each town. 

These Town Boards will have direct government support in addition to the funding and powers they receive through Long-Term Plan for Towns, and will be required to engage local people on their long-term plan. 

The Government has also announced a new ‘Towns Taskforce’, sitting in the Department for Levelling Up and reporting directly to the Prime Minister and Levelling Up Secretary. This will help town boards to develop their plans, and advise them on how best to take advantage of government policies, unlock private and philanthropic investment and work with communities.      

A new ‘High Streets and Towns Task Force’ will also be established, building on the success of the existing version, providing each selected town with bespoke, hands-on support.   

Further information 

  • Towns have been allocated funding according to the Levelling Up Needs Index which takes into account metrics covering skills, pay, productivity and health, as well as the Index of Multiple Deprivation to ensure funding goes directly to the towns which will benefit most, without new competitions or unnecessary hurdles. A full methodology note will be published.  
  • This commitment to towns follows other initiatives designed to support towns, including driving economic growth in 101 areas through the Towns Fund, and the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund, which is creating thriving high streets.
  • Local authorities will be the lead delivery partner for plans.  This programme has been developed following our work with local authorities, with funding designed to be spent flexibly over a number of years based on local and evolving needs, and distributed through an allocative rather than competitive process.      

Towns receiving funding 

  • Mansfield 
  • Boston 
  • Worksop 
  • Skegness 
  • Newark-on-Trent 
  • Chesterfield 
  • Clifton (Nottingham) 
  • Spalding 
  • Kirkby-in-Ashfield 
  • Clacton-on-Sea 
  • Great Yarmouth 
  • Eston 
  • Jarrow 
  • Washington 
  • Blyth (Northumberland) 
  • Hartlepool 
  • Spennymoor 
  • Darwen 
  • Chadderton 
  • Heywood 
  • Ashton-under-Lyne 
  • Accrington 
  • Leigh (Wigan) 
  • Farnworth 
  • Nelson (Pendle) 
  • Kirkby 
  • Burnley 
  • Hastings 
  • Bexhill-on-Sea 
  • Ryde 
  • Torquay 
  • Smethwick 
  • Darlaston 
  • Bilston (Wolverhampton) 
  • Dudley (Dudley) 
  • Grimsby 
  • Castleford 
  • Doncaster 
  • Rotherham 
  • Barnsley 
  • Scunthorpe 
  • Keighley 
  • Dewsbury 
  • Scarborough 
  • Merthyr Tydfil 
  • Cwmbrân 
  • Wrexham 
  • Barry (Vale of Glamorgan) 
  • Greenock 
  • Irvine 
  • Kilmarnock 
  • Coatbridge 
  • Clydebank 
  • Dumfries 
  • Elgin