DC Thomson titles unite behind campaign to support local economies

The Sunday Post, The Courier and The Press and Journal have launched Fresh Start, a joint editorial campaign urging reform to business rates relief, to bring empty commercial properties back into use and support Scotland’s local economies.

In a rare, co-ordinated initiative spanning three established Scottish news brands, Fresh Start will put the future of high streets, town centres and local economies at the centre of public debate.

Launching with joint front pages and editorial coverage, the campaign is calling for a change to existing business rates relief rules so that all vacant commercial properties become eligible for a 12-month exemption immediately, rather than only after six months standing empty.

The campaign argues that accelerating support for empty units could help encourage occupancy, support small businesses, increase footfall and strengthen communities across Scotland.

Fresh Start will combine reporting, data, reader experiences, expert views and political scrutiny to explore the challenges facing local economies, whilst identifying practical solutions.

David Clegg, Editor of The Courier, said: “Every empty unit on a high street tells its own story, but taken together, they speak to a much bigger challenge facing towns and cities across Scotland. At The Courier, we report every day on communities that want their centres to feel busy, useful and hopeful again, not hollowed out by decline or left waiting for the next setback.

“Fresh Start is rooted in a simple belief: local economies need practical help, not just warm words. By giving vacant premises immediate rates relief, we can make it easier for new businesses to take a chance, bring life back into empty spaces and give our high streets a better shot at the future.

“This campaign is not about nostalgia. It is about backing the people, businesses and communities who still believe our town and city centres matter.”

Craig Walker, Editor of The Press and Journal, added: “Businesses have faced huge challenges in recent years and, as a result, our traditional high streets have borne the brunt.

“The reality is, we’re never going to get back the days of chain store after chain store filling those units; however, there is still huge potential to make the high streets somewhere people want to go to spend money, support business and help bring back to life.

“Fresh Start is calling for change to the existing rates relief rules, but it will also highlight what is already great about our town and city centres. We’ll showcase those thriving despite the extreme challenges facing businesses, but there will also be some tough tales of businesses struggling to survive and the tough choices being made every day.

“We feel what we’re campaigning for is a simple measure which has the potential to have a big impact across Scotland and put our town and city centres on a firm footing for success in the future.”

“This campaign is about breathing life into our ailing high streets,” said Thomas Hawkins, Editor of The Sunday Post. “The rise of online shopping, the devastation of COVID and the introduction of traffic restricting measures means too many cities, towns and villages across Scotland have been hollowed out.

“Where once we had independent businesses selling fresh produce, we now have bookmakers, second-hand goods stores and vape shops.

“This is not - and should not be - the vision we have for our society. By asking for this rates relief, we hope to encourage new businesses to once again take up residence in our high streets, revitalise the local economy and create an environment we all want to spend time in.”

From the left: David Clegg (Editor of The Courier), Craig Walker (Editor of The Press and Journal) and Thomas Hawkins (Editor of The Sunday Post)