High streets and town centres that aren't collaborating run the risk of being left behind

According to research by the High Street Task Force, in 59 per cent of the places task force experts visited, long-term plans for high streets and town centres are in jeopardy due to a lack of or poor quality of local networks and partnerships. Are our high streets and town centres in danger of being left behind because people don't collaborate, or is it the fact that some places are not set up for formal collaboration?

The majority of the country's largest cities and towns have business improvement districts (BIDs), with The BID Foundation estimating that there are over 300 BIDs in the UK. What happens if a high street does not have enough rateable properties to support establishing a BID? After taking some time to think about opportunities for a town in the Midlands, most recommendations require resources. Still, the first is that it is obvious that more cooperation is required. Some businesses suggested a BID, but where does this resource come from? Despite the Local Authority being the client, they cannot provide this support anytime soon. It appears from the preliminary analysis that there are not likely to be enough rateable properties to make a BID a workable mechanism.

Strong partnership working and transparent communication are the cornerstones of improving towns and high streets, but what happens if a high street doesn't have enough businesses to fund a BID collectively? What options do they have to collaborate? As small business owners with a business on the high street, we know how hard it is to make ends meet, so we understand why small business owners do not engage in wider place-making activities.

BIDs might not be the all-encompassing solution for all areas that some people say, but what other options exist for businesses to come together in 'BID alternatives'. Is the future giving Town Councils more power in this area? Is it relying on a local community group to coordinate? Should it be about the council making a business case to increase capacity?

Regular communication with nearby businesses and other partners is crucial if you want to activate a place, develop its brand, and give it an identity. Even something simple like a newsletter or Twitter feed can be helpful, but it requires resources. What other options are available for these high streets to come together?

Should those high streets suffer due to a lack of resources and capacity in the area? Town centres and high streets that are not coordinating and working together risk behind left further behind.

We are curious to know what other place leaders think would be better ways to bring together the community and business in a cooperative way. What other examples of effective leadership and management exist besides a BID?

Do get in touch at happyhighstreets@gmail.com and we will highlight them.