Bleak Friday 2024: endangered high street businesses revealed

Many high street landmarks are in danger of extinction – is it last orders for Britain’s best loved small businesses?

Can you imagine a high street without pubs, newsagents, and fishmongers? Our research shows that by 2038, these businesses – among others – could be extinct.

This Black Friday, we’re raising awareness of struggling high street businesses on a day when the online retail sector is expected to generate over £10 billion in sales.

From blacked out businesses, to a £10k business rates giveaway
– here’s how we’re marking #BleakFriday.

The Pelton Arms: a Victorian corner pub built in 1844 that remains integral to its local community in Greenwich, South London, to this day.

Our research shows that pubs like the Pelton Arms will be forced to call last orders for the final time by 2035 if closures continue at the same rate.

To demonstrate the visual and cultural impact of Britain’s independent pubs and bars turning their lights out for good, we’ve temporarily rebranded the Pelton Arms as the Extinction Arms.

Electrical appliance stores (Extinct 2029)

Shoe shops and leather goods
(Extinct 2034)

Furniture and homeware shops
(Extinct 2034)

Pubs and bars
(Extinct 2035)

Newsagents and stationers
(Extinct 2035)

Fishmongers
(Extinct 2035)

Chemists
(Extinct 2039)

Tech and PC shops
(Extinct 2039)

Watch shops and jewellers
(Extinct 2039)

Clothing stores
(Extinct 2039)

Other independent businesses at risk of extinction:

Hardware store (2039)
Cosmetics shops (2042)
Off licenses (2044)
Specialty goods stores (2044)
Sports shops (2045)

Delicatessens (2050)
Carpet shops (2050)
Greengrocers (2051)
Butchers (2053)
Haberdasheries (2057)

Restaurants & street food vendors (2057)
Bookshops (2059)
Garden centres (2060)
Tobacconists (2062)
Charity shops (2068)

Retail and hospitality businesses will be hit hard by business rates relief falling from 75 per cent to 40 per cent in 2025.

Many businesses will see their business rates bill rise by thousands of pounds at a time when the overall cost of running a high street business continues to spiral.

To help ease the blow for one independent business, we’re offering to pay £10,000* towards their business rates bill.

Enter your details below to be in with a chance.

_{*To be eligible to enter the draw you must enter by 9 December 2024 and be 18 or over; a business owner trading from a business premises in the UK; not have an annual turnover exceeding £500,000; and your business must be in the retail, hospitality or leisure industry (such as a shop, restaurant, café, bar or pub, cinema or music venue, gym, spa or hotel). One entry per person. Other terms and conditions apply.}

Protecting the future of the UK high street

Unfortunately due to rising prices and increased competition, extinction is a serious threat for many. It’s clear that things need to change if we want to protect endangered independent businesses.

So, whether or not you’re a high street business owner – we want to hear from you.

Fill in our short survey to contribute to our report, which will help to amplify the challenges facing our beloved high street businesses.

Have your say

At Simply Business, nearly one million customers trust us to help protect their big dream. From builders, to bakers, to beauticians, we offer small business cover for over 1,000 trades.

As one of the UK’s biggest business insurance providers, we specialise in public liability insurance. Why not take a look now and build a tailored quote in minutes?

Get a quote

“Small local businesses make the neighbourhood worth living in. They give the area character and authenticity.”

“I’m afraid we’ll see fewer small businesses on our streets, because entrepreneurs have realised that the dream of running a business can become a nightmare.”

Daniele Paduano,
Owner of The Angel and Crown pub in East London

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of the high street. They bring character, diversity, and a sense of community that large chains can’t replicate.”

“Black Friday can be tough as larger retailers can undercut prices due to their buying power.”

Michael Whiteman,
Owner of RD1 Clothing in Hastings

About Simply Business

Simply Business is one of the UK’s biggest insurance providers, protecting nearly one million customers with tailored insurance. We strive to offer simplicity, choice, and value, to help make it easier for small businesses and landlords to get the cover that’s right for them.

Get a quote