The UK is on the brink of losing its last pub, as small businesses on high streets face extinction. According to Simply Business, a provider of small business insurance, over 132,945 small businesses in the UK could disappear within the next 15 years. With the current rate of decline, local pubs and bars are expected to be the first to vanish, with an estimated closure date of 2035.
The study highlights that electrical appliance shops are the most endangered businesses, with a predicted extinction date as early as 2029. Shoe shops, homeware stores, newsagents, and stationers are also facing a rapid decline, on track to cease existence by 2034. Pubs, bars, and other independent businesses are struggling due to the rise of online retailers and changing consumer habits.
To raise awareness and support for independent businesses, the ‘Bleak Friday’ campaign has been launched. This initiative encourages shoppers to patronise local establishments, especially during peak retail moments like Black Friday. Small businesses such as greengrocers, pie shops, and pubs have shared their potential extinction dates to underscore the urgent need for action to save the high street.
Bea Montoya, UK Chief Operating Officer at Simply Business, emphasised the critical situation facing independent retailers. She stressed the importance of government intervention, with business owners calling for infrastructure investment, business rates relief, and financial support. Small businesses play a vital role in the economy, contributing trillions of pounds and providing significant employment opportunities.
The looming closure of pubs and other local businesses could have a devastating impact on communities. If urgent measures are not taken, the traditional high street landscape in the UK may undergo significant changes in the coming years. Simply Business aims to provide financial support to a high street business and develop a long-term plan to revitalise and preserve local establishments.
As shoppers flock to online retailers for Black Friday deals, the ‘Bleak Friday’ campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting small and independent businesses. By choosing to shop locally, consumers can help sustain the unique charm and vitality of high streets across the UK. With concerted efforts from both the public and the government, there is hope to prevent the extinction of beloved establishments like pubs, newsagents, and more.
The fate of the UK’s last pub hangs in the balance, symbolising the larger struggle faced by small businesses on high streets nationwide. While the challenges are daunting, there is an opportunity for collective action to preserve the diverse tapestry of local shops and eateries that enrich communities. By acknowledging the urgency of the situation and rallying support for independent businesses, there is a chance to rewrite the narrative and save the heart of the high street.