In October, as part of our Boosting Britain’s High Streets campaign, we launched our latest policy report on how technology and innovation can revitalise our high streets.
Developed in partnership with the Policy Liaison Group on Housing Delivery and Growth, the report features contributions from Iceland’s Executive Chair Lord Richard Walker OBE, alongside Diane Cunningham and Mark Robinson, both former members of the Government’s High Streets Task Force.
Drawing on visitor data, real-world case studies and insights from industry experts, the report examines how high streets can better meet the needs of local people and businesses.
What does the data tell us?
To understand how high streets are changing, we analysed data from 27 town and city centres across England’s nine regions. Using anonymised mobile location figures from Fetch Analytics, we compared visitor numbers, average dwell time and visits per square metre across the same three-month spring period in 2024, 2025 and 2026. This allowed us to track changes over time while reducing seasonal variation.
The results offer reasons for optimism. 22 of the 27 centres recorded an increase in average monthly visits between 2024 and 2026, with Solihull leading at 31% growth. Yet the findings also show why footfall alone is not enough. Some centres attracted more visitors who stayed for less time, while others saw fewer visitors spending longer there. Understanding these differences can help local and national leaders identify what their high streets need, placing the emphasis on outcomes, rather than outputs.
Technology in action
The report brings these findings to life through examples of innovation already making a difference. In Solihull, collaboration between the local authority and Touchwood shopping centre has helped combine a strong retail offer with community events spanning music, theatre and art. Retail occupancy at Touchwood reached 98% in 2024, demonstrating the potential of combining commercial success with reasons for people to visit and return.
Technology is also helping businesses of different sizes compete. Manchester-based food business Rita’s Reign uses customer feedback and order data to refine its packaging and adjust opening hours. Meanwhile, restaurant group Tonkotsu uses digital ordering systems and business intelligence to identify opportunities to attract customers, including through lunchtime offers.
These examples show that innovation does not have to mean expensive, futuristic technology. Sometimes, the biggest difference comes from understanding customers better and making practical changes in response.
However, the report does highlight the risks of investing in digital solutions simply because they are new, rather than because they solve a genuine problem. Automation can improve convenience, but it should not come at the expense of knowledgeable staff, personal service or the human interaction that makes physical places special.
The strongest high streets bring together the best of both digital tools that make shopping easier and help businesses reach customers, and distinctive places and experiences that give people a reason to visit in person.
Closing recommendations
To help make this happen, the report sets out seven policy recommendations. These include a consistent framework for measuring town centre vitality, an early-warning system to identify sustained decline, longer term and more flexible funding, and planning reforms that make it easier to repurpose vacant premises. It also calls for better support to help independent retailers adopt proven technologies and for last mile logistics to be recognised as essential high street infrastructure.
Britain’s high streets need policies that reflect their individual challenges, investment guided by evidence and innovation that strengthens local character rather than replacing it. By putting people at the centre of these decisions, we can help create high streets that are not only commercially successful, but vibrant, welcoming places at the heart of community life.
To find out how you can get involved with the Boosting Britain’s High Streets campaign, please email george.beard@collegegreengroup.com.
