{$inpagemarkup}

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 575


Independent retailers warn Spring Statement missed opportunity as geopolitical tensions threaten high street recovery

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy... Read more…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
Read more…

ACT part of coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform

16 Feb 2026

A 18-strong coalition of business organisations and tax experts, including the ACT and led-by its parent company Bira, has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury calling for a... Read more…

Government's pub-only business rates package is "poor decision based on politics", ACT parent company Bira says

29 Jan 2026

The government's decision to give pubs a 15% business rates discount while excluding independent retailers is a "poor decision based on politics rather than what is good for the local economy",... Read more…

Independent retailers demand equal treatment as Government prepares pub rates relief

9 Jan 2026

ACT parent company Bira has has demanded equal treatment for small shops after the government announced plans to water down business rate rises for pubs.
Read more…

Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

23 Dec 2025

An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT.
Read more…

Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13... Read more…

Independent retailers to see rates bills soar by up to 15% despite government's "transformation" promises

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has... Read more…

Back to news menu

American Express Shop Small Highlights UK’s Top High Streets for Independent Shops

Posted on in Business News

Research commissioned by American Express Shop Small reveals the top 10 high streets for independent shops in the UK, shining a light on the nation’s small businesses that play such an important role in their local communities.

Cobbold street

The research, carried out with retail experts GlobalData, identified the bustling Victoria Street and West Bow in Edinburgh, The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells and Llandeilo, in South Wales as home to some of the UK’s best high streets for shoppers wanting to visit and support independent businesses.

The top 10 high streets for independent shops in the UK were revealed as:

  1. Victoria Street & West Bow, Edinburgh
  2. High Street, Stockbridge
  3. The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells
  4. Church Street, Hereford
  5. Broadway, Cotswolds
  6. Town Centre2, Petworth
  7. High Street, Burford
  8. Magdalene Street, Cambridge
  9. The Lanes, Brighton
  10. Town Centre3, Llandeilo

The top 10 high streets were identified by ranking factors such as the streets with the highest proportion of independent outlets and included other key factors such as variety of business types, number of visitors, and shop occupancy rate.

Dan Edelman, VP & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: 

“We know how vital independent businesses are to all our communities, so it’s great to once again hero high streets during this crucial trading time through our Shop Small campaign. With everything from grocery stores, bespoke gift shops and pet stores, there’s something for everyone, and now is the time for people to step out and support the small local businesses on their doorstep.” 

Photo by Daniel Ellis

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.