41 per cent of retail units in Hull city centre are independent, according to latest figures.
The stats from HullBID (Hull Business Improvement District) also show retail unit vacancy rates in the city centre have once again fallen, this time to 12.61% for the end of April. This figure fell by 0.67 per cent from March.
Hull’s renovated Trinity Market and adjacent Hepworth Arcade – home to dozens of independent businesses – were last year shortlisted for the Great British High Street Awards.
Kathryn Shillito, executive director at HullBID, said: “A good high street provides a mix of well-known brands and a collective of unique independents, as well as an experiential offer.
“Hull city centre has a multitude of independent businesses, often tucked away off the high street footprint, that have built a loyal following.
Trinity Market has a range of independent traders and shops.
“Increasingly, we are seeing more small businesses flourish where owners have a greater understanding of what consumers are looking for. We expect the numbers to increase further as we attract more residents.”
Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects and place, said: “The fact that more than 40 per cent of businesses in the city centre are independent is evidence of the fantastic entrepreneurial spirit we have Hull.
“You only have to walk through Trinity Market, Hepworth Arcade or Paragon Arcade to see the wide-range of independent businesses and ideas that are thriving. Thanks to these businesses, Hull’s city centre offer is becoming more diverse and unique.”
The HullBID figures count all retail units within the city centre. It uses guidelines set by Association of Town and City Management.
