New research by Hampshire-based business network and flexible workspace provider, SiGNAL, reveals that the UK public's passion for the local high street is as strong as ever, with shoppers keen to support local businesses, but that innovations such as mixed-use space and later opening hours are required to attract people to visit more frequently.

SiGNAL has conducted a survey of 1,172 members of the UK public to gain insight into current sentiment towards the local high street and where they think the local high street experience can be improved.

When asked how likely they are to shop on their local high street in the next two weeks, only 20% responded with ‘definitely' and a further 37% with ‘quite likely'.

The remaining 43% responded with either ‘unlikely' or ‘definitely not'.

Despite such a significant proportion of people saying they won't, or are unlikely to, shop on their high street any time soon, when asked if they believe that a vibrant local high street is an essential part of a healthy, connected local community, an overwhelming 90% responded with ‘yes'.

Furthermore, an even larger majority of people (95%) say that they think it's important to support local businesses in their area, so why is it that so many are choosing not to shop on their high street, and what might tempt them to do so more often?

66% of respondents say that they would be more likely to shop on their high street if they were already there for another reason, such as working in their office, attending the cinema, or visiting the dentist.

To this end, 81% say that they would welcome a mix of office space and workspace being introduced to the high street alongside retail, services, leisure, and hospitality.

What's more, not only would people welcome workspace being added to the high street, but 55% say they would actively make use of such space, including co-working, and micro-offices.

When asked about other ways in which the high street could be improved and thus attract them to shop there more often, 43% of respondents said that later opening hours would be a benefit.

About SiGNAL

• SiGNAL is a workspace hub that helps businesses thrive through connection with each other and the local community

• The hub nurtures a culture of collaboration, community spirit, fun and innovation, producing an ecosystem of resilience that supports the economic growth of the town.

• SiGNAL also oversees one of the South East's most vibrant and successful SME business networking communities.

• Any queries to work@signalbordon.org