Member Article

Pop-ups to lead high street revival

Pop-up shops are set to take a lead role in revitalising the high street as a report by Mary Portas leads to government plans to cut red tape and a new festival launches to celebrate the pop-up movement.

The pop-up movement, which involves shops, restaurants, bars and galleries opening in empty and unusual premises, has received a major boost after government announced plans to cut red tape and make it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses in this way.

The plans were announced as part of a drive to revitalise the UK’s high streets following a [report](http://www.bis.gov.uk/highstreet“ target= “Mary Portas High Street Review”) by retail guru Mary Portas. Anyone starting a pop-up business will now have up to two years to apply for planning permission instead of having to do so immediately.

“This is fantastic news for pop-ups who are really about to come into their own,“ commented Nicholas Russell of [We Are Pop Up](http://wearepopup.com/? target= “We Are Pop Up”), an organisation connecting consumers seeking new experiences with entrepreneurs that provide them.

“With more than 11% of shops standing empty, pop-ups are a great way to inject life back into our town centers and high streets. Starting a business in this way breaks down barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and those in creative industries whilst offering consumers a unique experience“.

Throughout August, [We Are Pop Up](http://wearepopup.com/? target= “We Are Pop Up”) is running The Pop Spot Festival also launches a new mobile app that allows people to search pop-up shops and events by date, time and location and navigate the city in an entirely new way.

Full events listings and a link to download the app will be available on [www.thepopspot.com](http://t.ymlp225.net/esybaaajqmqaxaejeazaj/click.php“ target=) from 1st August.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicholas Russell .