
1 in 3 British brands are predicted to disappear this year.
This is a nationwide call to action. New support is needed to #SaveTheStreet.












A call to action
Our open letter to the UK Government.
We didn’t know how much we relied on our high street – until we didn’t have one.
Lockdowns made us realise how much we need our local high streets, independent stores and the people behind them. They are not just places to simply transact in but places to create community and feel human connection.
Now they need us.
Our streets are under threat. Repeated lockdowns, with limited support, have brought independent retailers to their knees. Behind these stores are entrepreneurs whose dreams are at stake, alongside the livelihoods that depend on them.
We are calling on the government to do more to support our independent retailers – as they have done with other sectors.
The retail sector represents 20% of the UK’s GDP and it’s our independent retailers who will play a vital role in the economic recovery of local neighbourhoods. For every £1 spent with local independents an additional 63p of benefit is created for the local economy, compared to just 40p generated by larger national retailers. But as it stands, 1 in 3 British brands are predicted to disappear by March.
Immediate action is needed, or we face a future with hollowed-out streets and no places left for communities to come together. We need new support measures in place for independent retailers after one of their toughest years.
We are asking the government to incentivise shopping at independent retailers to combat the impact of lockdowns and restrictions, whilst providing future solutions in the form of an extended break from business rates for independent retailers and first-time entrepreneurs, so they can plan ahead.
As a nation, we need to protect our streets. They are world-class. They have been the birthplace of cultural movements and supported generation after generation of entrepreneurs. They are the key to our economic recovery, as well as the fabric that weaves our cities and cultures together.
We must act now to #SaveTheStreet
If you believe the streets are vital, join us.
#SaveTheStreet is led by Ross Bailey on behalf of Appear Here's community of 114K independent retailers and entrepreneurs, backed by industry leaders and high street champions.


Henry Holland
Founder
House of Holland

Holli Rogers
CEO
Browns

Ross Bailey
CEO & Founder
Appear Here

Chrissie Rucker
Founder
The White Company

Alex Loizou
CEO & Co-Founder
Trouva

Michelle Ogundehin
Writer, Consultant,
Presenter

Roger Wade
CEO & Founder
Boxpark

Nick Wheeler
Founder
Charles Tyrwhitt

Charlie Casely-Hayford
Founder
Casely-Hayford

Caroline Rush
Chief Executive
British Fashion Council

Jefferson Hack
CEO & Co-Founder
Dazed Media

Sharmadean Reid
Founder
BEAUTYSTACK

Andrew Goodacre
CEO
Bira

Jane Shepherdson
CBE

Kyle Stewart & Jo Sindle
Co-Founders
Goodhood
