News & Blog

Explore industry insights, merchandising tips, installation practices, project management, trends, regulations, company news and success stories.

Is the high street hotting up?

Who said the high street was dead? With soaring temperatures in the UK, the public is shunning their computers and phones and heading to the Great British high street to part with their hard-earned cash.

According to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey, 32% of retailers said that sales volumes were up in July than compared to a year ago and 13% said they had to place more orders with suppliers as a result. A combination of the unusually nice weather (does this weather even belong in the UK?) and World Cup fever have been thanked for the boost in high street sales this July, which also saw 45% of motor traders report that sales volumes were up compared to this time last year (convertible anyone?).

These figures should be seen as a huge positive for the high street, especially following the results from the survey campaign #WDYT (What do you think?) which found consumers want more and better shops available to them. The survey, which was completed by 300,000 people, found that 78% of respondents worry about the high street and 70% are concerned about shops closing – proving that the public still back “popping into town” to do their shopping.

All the positives do come with negatives though – in the same CBI Survey, retailers reported that they expect sales to slow again in August and orders to flatten out. With subdued real wage growth, households are still feeling the financial pinch and retailers are still battling with the reduced costs online retailers are able to offer.

Along with the Government’s inquiry into high streets and town centres 2030 to examine how local areas are planning for the future of their high streets, this month’s results should be seen as a step in the right direction to securing the future of the British high street.

Celebrating BIG Awards 2021

Bluestones One is part of Bluestones Investment Group (BIG), and in November, Bluestones Group celebrated another successful year at the annual BIG Awards evening at Chester Racecourse. This year, brands from across the Group, as well as the central support services, came together for an evening of food, drink, live music, casino fun, and to recognise achievements. Over 20 winners were recognised for their achievements during 2021, which included top-performing consultants and brands, and the people who embody the Group values of Passion, Accountability, Collaboration and Enjoyment. This year, Bluestones One were delighted to win the Overall Profitability Award. This is a fantastic achievement for the team as it highlights their hard work and determination over the past year. So a huge congratulations and well done goes to the Bluestones One team! Every year, all award winners are treated to an award winners’ trip and this year it was revealed that winners will be jetting off to Dubai in 2022. Bluestones One team members Managing Director, Gary White; Operations Director, Gary Lowe; Director, Ashley Jewitt; and Operations Manager, Richard Jones also received awards last year for Outstanding Achievement. Prior to this, Bluestones One also won Best New Business in 2019.

Read more »
Scroll to Top