NEWS


‘Urgent action is needed’, say indie retailers, as half have considered closing their shops


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new nationwide survey has uncovered the mounting pressure facing independent retailers across the UK,


from dwindling footfall and surging costs to a sharp decline in confidence that Government is listening and doing enough to help. The survey, released by Spring & Autumn


Fair, in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet. org, collected insights from over 250 independent retail businesses, and it revealed that over 50 per cent of independent retailers have considered closing their business. The biggest challenges they face include reduced customer spending and footfall (63.4 per cent), competition from online giants (57.4 per cent), and rising wage and employment costs (39 per cent).


Dubs Universe wins Green StartUp of the Year Award


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ustainable kids’ footwear brand, Dubs Universe, has been named as the Green Startup of the Year winner at the 2025


South East StartUp Awards. The awards event was established to highlight


the success of start-ups across 10 UK nations and regions and to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy. CEO and Co-Founder of Dubs, Stuart Davis,


commented: “Since day one, we’ve been on a mission to build the comfiest, most planet- friendly sneaks for little legends and this is a massive nod that we’re on the right path.


Other major concerns include rising rent and


property costs (21.1 per cent), high business rates (14.7 per cent), and a lack of sufficient funding for high street regeneration (22.7 per cent). Reflecting a growing sense of frustration, 84 per cent of indie retailers said they lack confidence that the Government is not doing enough to support them. When asked what would make the biggest


difference to their business, they sent a clear and coordinated message, targeted support and practical action are urgently needed. The most common request to Government was increased grants or funding for small businesses (39 per cent), followed by a freeze or reduction in business rates (26.7 per cent). The findings highlight the vital role that


“We now offer an integrated AI foot scanner,


an easy-to-use resale page and lighter, better materials. With exciting new designs on the way, the future looks bright. “A big thank you to


our growing tribe of Dubsters who proudly rock our sneaks, and played a massive part in making winning this award possible.” Earlier this year, Dubs


teamed-up with Size Wise, a cutting-edge tech company to provide an AI foot scanner for its customers. This has been a real game changer, allowing parents to get millimetre-precise sizing using their phone with a quick and easy foot scan. It even walks you through scanning the side and front of each foot!


independent retailers play in their communities beyond commerce. 64.1 per cent described their shop as the “social heart” of the area. “This data shows how much independent


retailers are struggling – but also how much they matter,” said Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director at Spring & Autumn Fair. “The high street is more than a place to shop. It’s a space for connection, culture, and community. If we want thriving towns, we must start by backing the businesses that hold them together.”


Dubs focus on comfort, flexibility and feel-first


design has always been a selling point, but Mr Davis said he never imagined it would solve a problem for parents with children suffering from ADHD, autism and other sensory issues… “Judging from the lovely


comments we’ve been getting it seems Dubs are proving very popular with these kids, many of whom previously couldn’t bear wearing any sort of footwear.” Mr Davis said this is a


great endorsement for Dubs and the company is delighted to be helping


children to overcome this hurdle and enabling them to feel comfortable, included and ready to explore the world on their terms!


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