Here's part of it:
but it's all worth reading for a more or less objective, outside picture of what we are up against.Besides quirky independent outlets, the businesses faring best often provide a service—pawnbrokers and bookmakers in poor neighbourhoods, boutiques in wealthier places and beauty salons (reflecting a recent British fetish for nailcare) everywhere. They tend to have low start-up costs and complement the big chains rather than competing with them. “The places that provide an experience or are conveniently located will survive the rise of the internet,” says Alex Morton at Policy Exchange, a think-tank, which is researching a report on high streets.
The government has now pledged to make it easier to open pop-up shops and has committed over £80m ($130m) in loans for young entrepreneurs. Retailers say local authorities should also make it easier for different businesses to fill vacant units. But rents, parking and taxes remain hurdles. The British Retail Consortium complains that business rates, set according to September inflation figures, will result in a nationwide increase of £175m next year, on top of hikes over the last two years