2023 has seen the collapse of many national businesses which, when coupled with banks abandoning town centres, has left scars on towns across the country.
Stroud and other towns within the District are in no way immune from this. The year has also seen continuing challenges with our economy and a sustained cost of living crisis, which impacts the funds we all have to spend in our local shops and hospitality businesses. The poor weather towards the end of the season has also had an impact on our tourist economy, though we continue to welcome a reasonable number of visitors from across the UK and the world beyond.
Whilst the impacts I outlined here must not be underplayed, the story of 2023 is far from only a hopeless one. Whilst not so widely noticed, we have seen a healthy number of new businesses start, and new owners for beloved businesses who wish to build on the successful foundations already in place. Across the District the Christmas celebrations have been superb and our local communities have embraced them more than ever. Every report I have received from events across the District have indicated higher attendance than expected, which has also encouraged our communities to shop local and support their local economy.
What 2024 will bring is far from certain, but our local business sectors remain optimistic and well placed to adapt as needed. Our town centres are far more than just places to do business; they are the heart of our communities and help support some of the most vulnerable and otherwise isolated in our society. We know our high streets are successfully evolving and we can help ensure they stay healthy by thinking local first, where we can.
