Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation from Andrew Figgis, North Herts Economic Development Officer, regarding the town centre footfall in North Herts towns compared to previous years over the Christmas period.

Andrew Figgis, North Herts Economic Development Officer, provided an update on Christmas Consumer Demand.

Audio Recording- 50 minutes 6 seconds

The Chair invited Mr. Andrew Figgis, North Hertfordshire Economic Development Officer, to provide a presentation on Christmas Consumer Demand.

Mr. Figgis thanked the Chair and gave a presentation, with slides, and advised:

·         Christmas 2022 saw UK spending fall due to Cost of Living. While there were more card transactions overall but spending was down.

·         Non-food and fuel spending had decreased.

·         In a recent survey regarding Cost-of-Living perceptions, the majority of participants believed the worst was yet to come. Only around 1 in 10 consulted believed that the worst had passed.

·         More people were comfortable with COVID and believed the worst of the pandemic was over.

·         Most people were still opting out of travelling to larger city centres and preferred to stay local.

·         For holiday expectations, most people were planning on going away overnight within the UK instead of overnight abroad.

·         Multiple barriers were stopping people from going on holiday, such as the Cost-of-Living crisis, personal finances, increased fuel costs and increased holiday costs.

·         Internet use had risen and 30% of retail sales were made online.

·         Postal strikes and delayed parcel deliveries on the lead up to Christmas had also made consumers purchase in store rather than online.

There were no questions for Mr. Figgis and the Chair thanked him for his presentation.