There has been an increased opening of pop up businesses all around the UK, including in and around the Richmond borough. The Richmond Council has been issuing appeals for proprietors of vacant shops to allow these businesses to flourish. These businesses have a specific way of operating. If the shop is let for more than six weeks, the landlord receives another three months free of business rates if it is empty again.
There are many benefits to this scheme for many groups of people. These include the landlords themselves, who would have the insurance, utilities and rent for three months covered by the entrepeneur.Other benefits include the boosting of the entire local community.
Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for business, culture and community, said: “Temporary ‘pop-up’ shops have come of age and are now desirable features of many town centres, often used for creative uses, bringing local talents to the high street, providing a stepping stone for emerging entrepreneurs. “
Edward, a member of the community who lives near vacant shops said “I think it a great idea to accommodate the pop up businesses in vacant shops. This would not only help the landlord and the community, it would also be making use of empty space.’’
However, some of the local community has disliked the idea of pop up businesses
Josephine, a local resident, aged 43 said “It absurd to create businesses which are only temporary. I believe in shops and businesses that will last longer than a few months to stay up.”
Decisions whether or not these businesses should be allowed are yet to come.
