Brits call for more small businesses on the high street as major small business grant winners revealed

• The findings come as VistaPrint announces the 6 winners of its Realising the Remarkable grant programme with Enterprise Nation, worth a total of £30,000
• Data reveals 85 percent want more small businesses to open on their local high street
• 45 percent of Brits visit their local high street weekly, with 25–34s visiting almost daily
• Over a third of Brits say their high street is busier than a year ago. 

Despite an age of next-day delivery and round-the-clock online shopping, the UK high street is fighting back, with new research from VistaPrint revealing that 85 percent of Brits want to see more independent businesses on the UK high street.

The data comes as today VistaPrint announces the winners of the third year of the ‘Realising the Remarkable’ programme – a £30,000 grant initiative in partnership with Enterprise Nation, aimed at supporting small business growth with six independent high street businesses being awarded grants of  £5,000.

This year, over 1,100 small businesses from across the UK participated in the programme. From these applicants, 23 businesses were shortlisted and invited to submit a two-minute pitch on how they would use the grant to grow their business. The 6 successful winners were then carefully selected by the judges.

The winners of this year’s programme highlight the purpose-led nature of small businesses in the UK and the broad range of sectors driving the UK highstreet revival. The 6 winners include Craig’s Barbershop, an inclusive Barbershop in Bolton, Neighbourhood Store in Shoreham-by-Sea- which showcases work by independent sellers, Snug Bookshop in Somerset, which hosts inclusive literary events, Y.O.U Underwear, an ethical underwear shop in Oxford, Hoyle’s Oxford, a family run games shop in Oxford and Little Lizzie’s in Belfast, which supporting families going through grief.

The importance of grants like this is reinforced by VistaPrint’s own research, which highlights both growing demand for independent small businesses on the high street and the factors driving this resurgence.

Nearly half of Brits (45 percent) now visit their local high street at least once a week, with 25–34-year-olds emerging as the most frequent visitors, often making trips almost daily.

More than a third of the nation (36 percent) say their local high street is busier than it was a year ago, signalling optimism for a sustained revival.

While just one in four over-55s (26 percent) say they feel proud of their local high street, this figure rises sharply to 68 percent among 25–34-year-olds. Many believe small business owners help create jobs (47 percent), strengthen communities (44 percent) and enhance the appearance of town centres (41 percent).

Shoppers also believe they can play a role in supporting growth by shopping locally more often (51 percent), recommending shops to family and friends (42 percent) and leaving positive reviews (38 percent).

Craig Henderson, founder Craig’s Barbershop in Bolton, and one of this year’s winners of the Realising the Remarkable grant programme, said: “I’m thrilled to be selected as one of this year’s programme winners. The grant will help Craig’s Barbershop reach more people in the local community and will help us to continue to make a real impact.

We’ll use the grant to expand inclusive resources at Craig’s Barbershop, such as sensory-friendly tools, visual supports, and community workshops for families and professionals. This investment will help more neurodivergent and disabled clients access positive haircut experiences, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. It will also strengthen the high street by making our space a hub of inclusion, awareness, and support for the wider community”.

Sabine Levellier, VP of Marketing at VistaPrint, said: “At VistaPrint, we see every day the impact small businesses have on the communities they serve. Our research shows that demand for physical stores is growing again, underlining the importance of strong marketing and first impressions.

Now in its third year, Realising the Remarkable continues to celebrate the entrepreneurs driving that revival. This year’s winners reflect the purpose-led, diverse nature of UK small businesses and the vital role they play in bringing high streets and local communities to life.”

Aaron Asadi, CEO of small business support platform and membership community Enterprise Nation, said: “As this research shows, small businesses are not just the heart of our high streets, but the heartbeat of their local communities. Behind every successful independent store is a founder whose deeply personal motivation and dedication drive them to not only be different, but make a real difference. And it’s helping to turn the tide.

We’re delighted to partner with VistaPrint for the third year in supporting entrepreneurs who are stepping up to create vibrant, purposeful spaces we can all be proud of. These inspiring grant winners highlight the innovation, resilience, and energy helping to drive a high street revival. There’s now a growing trend towards choosing independents over uniformity. With dedicated support, targeted grants like these, and the backing of the public, we believe independent small businesses will continue to transform our town centres and build stronger, more connected communities across the UK.”