Research shows Telford to be UK's chain store capital
Telford has fewer independent shops than any other town or city centre in the country, according to a new poll.
Four out of five shops in the town are national chain stores, the British Independent Retailers Association said.
Telford has just 18.1 per cent independent stores, followed by Ellenbrook, in Hatfield, at 18.5 per cent, and Yate, in Bristol, at 21.4 per cent.
At the other end of the table, 95 per cent of stores in Sparkhill, Birmingham, are independents.
The report says the future of small retailers looks "increasingly bleak" after its data showed the number of independent shops opening on high streets rose by the smallest amount on record last year.
In 2015, the difference between the number of shop openings and closures stood at just +117 businesses, compared to a peak balance of nearly +4,000 in 2010, when records began.
Pubs, women's clothes shops, newsagents and Indian restaurants formed the majority of closures in the independent sector last year.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for business at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "Independents are critical for a successful retail economy.
"We have established high streets and centres in Telford & Wrekin, and through the Pride in Your High Street Fund we have invested £1m directly into these high streets. Pride in Your High Street is the only direct retail support financial package available, as far as I am aware, to independents in our town. The council is looking to launch further support later this year."
Shropshire company Good2Great will also be helping Telford's small retailers. Sally Themans, of Good2Great, said: "Whilst these latest figures are worrying, it is nothing we don't already know.
"We will be working in seven town centres – Donnington, Hadley, Ironbridge, Wellington, Madeley, Newport and Oakengates – with the goal of achieving a virtuous circle where successful businesses lie at the heart of each thriving centre."
