Llanelli shortlisted to win up to £15,000 Great British High Street Prize

LLANELLI has been shortlisted in the Government’s Great British High Street Awards, in proud partnership with Visa, putting them in the running for up to £15,000.

After a rigorous selection process led by a panel of independent judges, the high street has been shortlisted for the Rising Star category, which celebrates high streets which are taking the lead to adapt and diversify.
The bid by Ymlaen Llanelli follows research commissioned by Visa in April 2019 demonstrating the positive impact that the local high street has on communities.*

The research found that nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) in Wales say that shopping locally makes them feel happy, with nearly half (45%) citing supporting local shops and knowing where their money is going as the main reason. Spending time with friends and family (25%) and offering a sense of community (18%) were other reasons cited for why high streets make people feel happier. The research also reveals that half of consumers (50%) feel that their high street gives them a sense of pride in their local community.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “Congratulations to Llanelli for being shortlisted for the Rising Star Award for this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“Llanelli high street is a hive of activity, with food festivals, childrens’ days and community get-togethers all part of the local calendar. A great example of how high streets can bring a renewed energy to communities.

“People are happier when they can see their hard-earned cash support local businesses. That is why we are celebrating those that go above and beyond to keep their high streets thriving for generations to come.”
Sundeep Kaur, Head of UK & Ireland Merchant Services at Visa, added:

“We’ve seen some fantastic entries for this year’s Great British High Street Awards across both the Champion High Street and Rising Star categories. In particular, the desire to innovate stands out amongst this year’s entries, with high streets adapting to the challenges presented by a rapidly changing retail environment to find ways to thrive at a local level.

“As our research shows, high streets play a vital role at the heart of communities, so this is a great opportunity for those communities with shortlisted high streets to show their support by placing their votes on the Great British High Street website.”

Llanelli is one of the 28 high streets that have been shortlisted for the Rising Star category, identifying high streets which are taking the lead to adapt and diversify. 12 high streets have been shortlisted in the Champion High Street category, which recognises the UK’s best high streets.

All 40 high streets are now in the running to win a prize of up to £15,000 to be dedicated to a local high street initiative.

Shortlisted high streets – Rising Star category

England
1. Wellington, Telford

2. Daventry Town Centre, Northamptonshire

3. Northwich Town Centre, Cheshire

4. Willesden Green, London Borough of Brent

5. Sir Isaacs Walk & Eld Lane, Colchester

6. Rochdale Town Centre, Rochdale

7. Dalton Road, Barrow in Furness

8. Yarm High Street, Stockton-on-Tees

9. Tankerton High Street, Whitstable

10. Market Street, Ashby de la Zouch

Scotland
11. Aberfoyle Main Street, Aberfoyle

12. Kempock Street, Gourock

13. Falkirk High Street, Falkirk

14. Lanark High Street, Lanark

15. Cowdenbeath High Street, Cowdenbeath

16. King Street, Castle Douglas

17. The Square, Kelso

Wales

18. Palace Street, Caernarfon

19. Carmarthen Town, Carmarthen

20. Llanelli, Llanelli

21. Mold High Street, Flintshire

22. Triangle House, Welshpool

23. Pembroke High Street, Pembroke

24. Caldicot Town Centre, Monmouthshire
Northern Ireland
25. Armagh City Centre, Armagh
26. Newry High Street, Newry

27. Broughshane Street, Ballymena

28. Carrickfergus High Street, Carrickfergus

People can vote for their favourite finalist at www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk, with the public vote accounting for 20 percent of the final scoring. The shortlisted high streets will then have the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they seek to be crowned the UK’s Champion or Rising Star.

The Great British High Street Awards 2019, which are being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in proud partnership with Visa and backed by other partners, is recognising and celebrating local achievements on our high streets and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

For more information about the Great British High Street Awards 2019 terms and conditions and details on how to vote, visit: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk.