A town centre audit from Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) has revealed a significant shift in the town centre’s business mix, with professional services now overtaking all other sectors — a clear indicator of how town centres and high streets are evolving across the UK.
The June 2025 Business Premises Audit, compiled by the BID, found that out of 337 business premises in Sutton Coldfield town centre, professional services account for 83 — representing 25% of the total. This makes it the largest single sector in the town centre, surpassing traditional retail for the first time.
Professional services include solicitors, estate agents, accountants, financial advisors, IT firms, insurance companies, marketing and recruitment agencies, and other industry specialists. This shift reflects a broader national trend toward service-led town centres, driven by changing consumer habits, the growth of remote working, and a reimagining of how high streets are used.
Michelle Baker, BID Manager said, “This data confirms what we are witnessing on the ground – Sutton Coldfield town centre is evolving into a service orientated economy. While retail remains important, professional services are now playing a leading role in our local economy, providing stability, jobs, and attracting daytime footfall.”
The audit also reports a vacancy rate of 18%, with 62 units currently unoccupied across the town centre — a figure higher than the national averages of 14% for high streets and 17% for shopping centres (British Retail Consortium, 2024). However, Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID notes that this figure is skewed by several large, strategic sites that are currently earmarked for redevelopment, including:
- The Gracechurch Centre
- The Red Rose Centre and adjacent multi-storey car park
- Major plots on Birmingham Road, Queen Street, and Brassington Avenue
- The former Rosie’s nightclub on Lower Parade
Michelle Baker, BID Manager said, “These regeneration sites represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Sutton Coldfield town centre. They will bring new homes, shops, restaurants, and public spaces — and with the right investment and vision, can play a pivotal role in reducing vacancies and increasing footfall.”
Other key findings from the audit include:
- Retail now represents 20% of Sutton Coldfield town centre businesses, showing a decline in dominance but still a strong presence with a healthy mix of independents and national chains.
- Food and Drink (16%) and Health & Beauty (9%) together account for a quarter of all businesses in the town centre, pointing to the growing importance of experience-based services that attract people into town for socialising.
- Leisure (3%) and Banking (3%) are stable, though leisure could benefit from further growth to diversify the town centre offer.
Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID is calling for continued investment in the town centre, increased marketing for vacant properties, incentives for new businesses and stronger communication from landlords regarding timelines for key development projects to boost public confidence and attract further business interest.