Monthly Archives: September 2021

Hot Business News Today

Small businesses are taking back the high street

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By Timothy Adler on Small Business – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Independent small businesses are clawing back the high street after years of being elbowed out by landlords greedy for chain brands.

More small businesses opened rather than closed on the high street for the first time since 2017 over the first half of this year.

The pandemic has accelerated the collapse of chain midmarket brands such as Topshop and Debenhams this year, while home working has led to a boom for local convenience stores, barbers and fast food takeaways as people spend locally.

>See also: Nearly 17% of small businesses at risk of insolvency

This is in significant contrast to the number of chain retail units that fell vacant between January and June, with over 5,000 becoming empty, according to the Local Data Company, which surveyed more than 550,000 units for its study.

Top 10 independent retailer openings H1 2021

TypeNo. of openings

Convenience stores323

Barbers317

Fast food takeaway311

Grocers208

Takeaway food shops184

Mobile phones149

Beauty parlours132

Pizza takeaway104

Ice cream parlours76

Restaurant and bar70

Source: Local Data Company

Independent businesses have taken over these retail units, helped by landlords offering rent-free periods and contributions to fitting-out costs to encourage take-up of empty high street or shopping centre units.

Lucy Stainton, commercial director at

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Hot Business News Today

Carina Lepore: ‘I saw Lord Sugar’s car and it was a sign’

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By Anna Jordan on Small Business – Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs

Welcome to Small Business Snippets, the podcast from SmallBusiness.co.uk. Today’s guest is Carina Lepore, entrepreneur and winner of The Apprentice 2019.

We discuss the law of attraction and starting a business in a field that you’re not familiar with.

This episode was brought to you in partnership with UPS and AAT.

Listen to it in the media player below.

Alternatively, you can watch the video here.

You can also catch our episodes with:

Dragon Tej Lalvani and entrepreneur Sam JonesAngel investor, entrepreneur and TV personality, Spencer MatthewsEntrepreneur and former Dragon on Dragon’s Den Ireland, Lady Chanelle McCoyBusinessman and The Apprentice winner, Mark WrightEntrepreneur and campaigner, Paul LindleyManaging director of Brompton Bikes, Will Butler-AdamsBusinessman and author, Gerald RatnerEntrepreneur and TV presenter, Trinny WoodallPub owner and bartender on Channel 4’s First Dates, Merlin GriffithsFounder and chairman of Pimlico (formerly Pimlico Plumbers), Charlie MullinsRetail expert and former Dragon, Theo PaphitisAuthor and boardroom expert, John TusaDigital guru and investor, Sherry CoutuEntrepreneur and former Dragon, Rachel ElnaughBusinesswoman and Dragon, Deborah MeadenEntrepreneur and The Apprentice 2005 candidate, Tim CampbellGousto CEO, Timo BoldtEntrepreneur and The Apprentice 2018 candidate, Jackie FastInvestor and former Dragon, Piers LinneyInvestment fund manager,

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