This conversation between Andy Bartlett (Founder & CEO, Roam) & Paul Lancaster (Founder & Event Producer, PLATFORM | UK Startup & Scaleup Week) is a deep dive into the importance of local high streets & the vital role that independent businesses play in our communities across the UK.
In an era of one-click online shopping & out-of-town retail parks, the traditional British high street is facing an existential crisis. But does it still matter? According to Andy & Paul, the answer is a resounding “yes”!
1. The High Street is the Heart of the Community
The conversation kicks off with a fundamental belief that villages, towns & cities are objectively better places to live when they have thriving, independent businesses. These shops aren’t just places to spend money, they are social hubs that provide identity & character to a local area. When we lose our independent cafes, restaurants, butchers, bakers & boutiques, we lose the ‘soul’ of our neighbourhoods.
The primary reason High Streets remain vital isn’t just about the products; it’s about the experience. Online shopping is transactional, but local shopping is social.
- Expertise: Whether it’s a local butcher explaining a cut of meat or a boutique owner helping you find the perfect fit, that human expertise cannot be replicated by an algorithm.
- Community Hubs: High streets provide a physical space for people to gather, reducing social isolation & giving a village, town or city its unique identity.
2. The Economic Multiplier Effect
It’s important to realise that when you spend money in a nationally or internationally-owned business, that money often leaves your community (& sometimes the country) immediately. Alternatively, the benefits of spending money at a local independent business include:
- Local Jobs: You support local employment.
- Supply Chain: Local shops are more likely to source products from other local makers & farmers.
- Reinvestment: Local business owners tend to live in the area & spend their profits in other local shops, creating a “virtuous cycle” of wealth in the community.
3. The Challenges Facing Independent Businesses
Bartlett & Lancaster discuss the “uphill battle” small business owners face today:
- Visibility: Competing with the massive marketing budgets of national & international corporations.
- Footfall: The shift toward digital convenience has pulled people away from physical storefronts.
- Connectivity: Small businesses often struggle to reach the modern, mobile-first consumer who relies on their smartphone to find where to go next.
4. Digital is the Solution, Not the Enemy
The common belief is that the internet killed the High Street. Andrew suggests that digital tools are what will save it. Many people want to shop local but don’t know what’s available on their doorstep.
To solve these problems, Andy created Roam – a local-first search engine with a mobile app that acts as a digital guide for the “local explorer.”
By using GPS-based technology, Roam shows users exactly what is available near them in real-time. It turns the smartphone – usually a tool for staying home – into a compass that leads people out into their town or city!
- For the Public: It allows users to discover hidden gems & independent businesses they might have otherwise walked right past.
- For Business Owners: It provides a platform to help raise their profile & directly drive footfall to their establishments without needing to be a marketing expert.
5. Celebrating ‘High Street Heroes‘
The duo also touched on the recently-launched First Connections networking events (in Darlington, Durham & Newcastle) & the NE High Street Heroes Awards. These initiatives are designed to celebrate the resilience of local independent businesses. By highlighting these “Local Heroes”, the community is reminded of the real people behind the counters – the ones who sponsor local football teams & keep the local economy circulating.
6. How You Can Help
The message of the video is clear: Use it or lose it. Supporting local isn’t just a ‘nice thing to do’, it’s about choosing the kind of world you want to live in. 3 simple, practical ways you can do this are;
- Download the Roam app: Use it to find local shops, cafes, restaurants, bars & things to do (or promote your business). Do this at roam-local.co.uk
- Be Intentional: Make a conscious effort to visit & spend money in at least 1 more local independent business this week or month.
- Spread the Word: Tell friends about your favourite local finds (in-person or on social media).
As Andy emphasises, the high street isn’t dead – it just needs a digital upgrade & a community that cares. By bridging the gap between mobile technology & physical storefronts, we can ensure that our local towns remain vibrant, diverse & successful for years to come.
Want to support your local high street?
Download the Roam app on Apple & Android at roam-local.co.uk & nominate your favourite local, independent business in the NE High Street Heroes Awards.
ps You can also listen to this interview (& more) on Paul’s ‘SuperConnector Show’ podcast which is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible or Spreaker via our ‘Podcasts‘ page.
