Julian Smith MP is encouraging community teams from across Skipton and Ripon to nominate their best local High Streets in the Great British High Street Awards 2018.
The awards, sponsored by Visa, celebrate local achievements on our high streets and will encourage communities to share top tips to make their high streets a success, shining a light on great examples of how high streets can meet new challenges.
Community teams, councils and trading associations can register their local high streets by visiting thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk. Members of the local community can also register their high street by getting in touch with their MP or local council.
The 26 shortlisted entries in the Champion High Street category and 12 Rising Stars will be announced in October. They will then go through to a public vote and be visited by a judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.
Britain’s best high street will be announced in November, with the winner receiving a £10,000 cash prize for a local community project.
Julian Smith MP said: ‘The high street is at the centre of many of our communities, and this competition will celebrate the creativity of the many businesses which are so vital to preserving our high streets. I am encouraging everyone to get involved in this important competition and encourage communities to enter their high streets. It was a fantastic testament to our area when Pateley Bridge won an award in 2016 and I hope that we can continue the success.’
Secretary of State for Communities, James Brokenshire MP said: ‘The Great British High Street Awards acknowledge how vital high streets are to our nation. They are crucial in creating jobs, nurturing small businesses and driving local and regional economies. As a government, we are committed to ensuring high streets continue to thrive and I’m delighted to support this brilliant competition.’
