Features / Retail
Mary Portas on the future of retail in Bristol
Mary Portas was recently in Bristol, to talk about how business can be used as a force for good at Triodos Bank’s annual meeting.
The businesswoman was speaking in her capacity as co-chair of the Better Business Act, which is calling on the government to amend the law governing how companies are run to better reflect their social and environmental responsibilities.
During the event at Bristol Old Vic on Thursday, the Queen of Shops also granted an interview with Bristol24/7, discussing the future of retail in the city.
Mary Portas was recently in Bristol to discuss “the business of beautiful business” at Triodos’ annual meeting – photo: Barbara Evripidou/Triodos Bank
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Portas explained her concept of “beautiful business”.
“It’s businesses that have a role to play in society where they are not just extracting, they are giving back, creating social progress, looking after humanity and our planet – it’s very simple.”
The 62-year-old said there is a “good mix” of businesses of this type in the city, with Triodos just one of these.
“I think there are certain parts of the country where people feel an energy and come together, and I think Bristol’s certainly one of those,” she said.
“Often, you see this creativity coming out of places where they feel more connected to their land and a real sense of place.”
Portas spoke to Bristol24/7 about the changing face of the city’s high streets, such as Broadmead – photo: Martin Booth
Portas was also asked about the changing face of Bristol’s high streets such as Broadmead, where big chains including Debenhams and M&S – which is to reopen as a creative space soon – have shut their stores in recent years.
She replied: “People hang onto that and say, ‘the high street’s dead because they’re gone.’ Well no, actually that era’s gone.
“So what we will be seeing is things that feed our needs today.
“It could be well-being, it could be doctors’ surgeries coming back. It’s a very different game we’re in.”
In Clifton, there is a Mary’s Living and Giving for Save the Children – one of Portas’ charity shops with a difference which she says have brought “a whole new level” to retail.
Portas was also asked whether the Portas Pilot government initiative that she spearheaded can be considered a success – photo: Charlie Watts
In 2012, Bedminster was named as a Portas Pilot town, which saw it receive a share of £1.2m in government money to kick-start its regeneration, following her review of high streets.
But more than a decade later, and with St Catherine’s Place in Bedminster recently dubbed “the saddest shopping centre in the UK”, has the scheme worked?
“Those pilot towns were Tory government not properly getting behind this stuff,” explained Portas.
“You can’t just have that small amount of money and expect us to turn around. We have gone through the biggest change, through internet. There’s so many mixes that need to be dealt with – landlords, parking – there’s no one answer.
“This is a long-term thing. A regeneration, it has to be the focus of central, local government that we want to recreate fit-for-purpose high streets for the future.”
Main photo: Barbara Evripidou/Triodos Bank
Read next:
- Launch confirmed for new creative space in old M&S building
- Regeneration plans for shopping centre thrown into doubt
- Sector Spotlight: Sustainability
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