New West End Company launches manifesto ahead of GE

New West End Company has announced the launch of its new manifesto ahead of the general election in July. 

The organisation said that the manifesto will focus on three pillars – supporting opportunity and growth, ensuring the West End is safe and accessible, and promoting the district on the international stage.

The business partnership of 600 retailers is also urging the government to review the business rates system as well as greater planning resources to facilitate greater investment into the built environment.

According to its latest West End Spotlight report, the West End is set to grow 5% in 2024 with a forecast of £9.4bn in sales, a result that would exceed pre-pandemic performance.

Dee Corsi, chief executive, said: “We have welcomed, thus far, the clear focus from both the Conservative and Labour parties on retail crime, with the safety of our high streets the basis of Labour’s ‘Taking Back Our Streets’ mission. We have also welcomed Labour’s commitment to reforming the unwieldy business rates system as part of its wider plan for high streets, which it launched in April.

“Our priority in the coming weeks will therefore be to act as a clear voice on behalf of our members on the issues that both matter to us, and are likely to be reflected in the party manifestos. To that end, we will soon launch our West End Manifesto, which has been updated in light of the recent General Election announcement.”

Corsi concluded: “That the West End continues to thrive against a challenging macroeconomic environment is testament to the breadth of the district’s offer, and is a reflection of the continued confidence and investment in the area from all those who call it home.”