A number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the area of Kensington and Chelsea have been given a boost by a new independent report, it has emerged.
According to news website 24Dash, councillors in the districts have adopted 46 of the 54 recommendations contained in a report entitled A Balance of Trade which aim to improve the business environment for the SME retail sector.
It is thought that some of the proposals which have been accepted by councils include increased control over coffee shops and takeovers involving larger chains. It is also hoped that grant schemes will be introduced to encourage shop front design.
Chair of the commission behind the proposals, councillor Tim Ahern, welcomed the news and stated that it was hoped that the new ideas would aid competition for smaller retailers.
He added that damage or closure of small retailers was detrimental to the character of the area and that it was important to do everything possible to help independent businesses.
Earlier this month the Liverpool Daily Post reported that Warrington's Golden Square shopping centre had attracted long term leases from chains such as Zara, Burton, Evans and Dorothy Perkins following a £120 million extension of retail centre.
