Five councils, Buckinghamshire LEP and businesses will come together next month to discuss how to tackle the problems of the county’s market town high streets.
And some major names from the retail world are set to attend.
High Street Bucks is being put on by Chiltern and South Bucks district councils, along with Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe district councils, in conjunction with Buckinghamshire County Council, the LEP and business group Buckinghamshire Business First.
They are inviting anyone with a stake or interest in any of the county’s town centres, including high street firms, land or property owners and representatives from town and parish councils, to attend and discuss challenges.
Speakers confirmed include:
* Retail expert and entrepreneur Bill Grimsey
* Peter Borg-Neal, chief executive of Oakman Inns
* Steve Norris, national head of planning, development and regeneration for Lambert Smith Hampton
* Ben Terry, head of location planning at Dixons Carphone
* Jenny Patten from Bosch
* Melanie Williams from High Wycombe business improvement district
* David Cooper from Elgiva Theatre
As well as talks there will be panel discussion.
Cllr John Read, deputy leader of South Bucks District Council and cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “A thriving local economy is beneficial for everyone, and our high streets are at the heart of it.
“There are many factors which affect high streets, from local issues to wider cultural and technological changes across society. This conference will bring people together from across the high street to share knowledge, experience and ideas, to help Buckinghamshire’s high streets thrive.”
The event is Tuesday, February 11 (12pm – 5.30pm) at The Ballroom, Pinewood Studios, SL0 0NH.
Contact econdev@chilternandsouthbucks.gov.uk
© Thames Valley Property No 195 (tvproperty.co.uk)
