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Bill Grimsey asks “Who killed the High Street?”

Posted at August 4, 2014 | By : | Categories : News | Comments Off on Bill Grimsey asks “Who killed the High Street?”

Bill Grimsey has launched a review of the UK high street in which he claims government efforts to bring about a much needed revolution have failed.

In an attack on Mary Portas’ government-commissioned review of the high street, Mr Grimsey states:

“It was clear to me that Portas had failed to highlight to Government the dramatic structural changes impacting the retail industry through the convergence of changing consumer behaviour driven by technology and that brought about by the prevailing economic conditions.

“This is evidenced by the fact that no less than eight major national household retail names have gone into administration since the publication of the review in less than two years.

“None of this was forecast in the review although it was clear to anyone with insight into the retail industry.

“My frustration led to public criticism of both Mary Portas and the Government for using this serious issue as little more than a PR stunt and to lay the grounds for a lucrative TV makeover show about the Portas Pilot Towns.”

The Grimsey review team is demanding a change in policy and has a petition registered with Downing Street. The objective is to get one hundred thousand signatures before the Autumn Statement.

Bill Grimsey began his retail career at the age of 15 as a butcher’s boy. He went on to be chief executive of store groups in the UK and abroad and has earned a reputation as a turnaround specialist, gaining particular attention for masterminding the recovery of DIY group Wickes.

About Gill