In 2010 we were commissioned by HM Government to tackle the ongoing role and future of the nation’s high streets. The report was the culmination of more than six months’ work, fuelled by Mary and the Portas team’s lifetime commitment to British retailing and community building. Our mission was to inspire people to see high streets not as places to just transact, but as neighbourhood anchors playing a critical role in the lives of UK communities. Post Covid, the report is being referred to afresh as best in class thinking on the role of high streets in building social value.

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