We believe thriving
high streets start
with thriving traders
The UK’s high streets are filled with brilliant, passionate, independent business owners. People who’ve chosen to turn a skill, a craft, a vision into something real.
But let’s be honest: being great at what you do isn’t enough anymore. You’re expected to be a marketer, a strategist, a financial planner, a content creator, and a customer service rep – all at once. And too often, that takes you away from why you started in the first place.
That's why we started
SaveTheHighStreet.org
Back in 2016, we launched SaveTheHighStreet.org as a nationwide movement with a mission.
We wanted to fight for the future of the high street—by helping independent local businesses not just survive, but thrive. We brought together councils, landlords, entrepreneurs, experts, and everyday traders to ask a simple question:
What does real support for the high street look like? The answer wasn’t traditional programmes or generic advice or grants. It was something better:
Make it easier for local businesses to do what they do best.
Help them cut through the noise, save time, and stay focused on what makes them great.
We built Thriver
Thriver is how we support independent business owners day to day — an easy place to solve your challenges, whether you’re trying to fix something, improve performance, or work towards a new goal.
Instead of juggling tools or figuring things out alone, you can work through them with someone who understands real-world business, getting ongoing support to clarify priorities, decide next steps, and keep moving forward week by week.
Our journey so far
We’ve always believed in action over theory. Here’s how far we’ve come:
> 2016
SaveTheHighStreet.org launches
A national manifesto is published. A movement begins.
> 2017 - 2023
25,000+ businesses supported
We run programmes across the UK. An expert network forms.
> 2024
Thriver launches to first beta users
Tested with real traders. Continuously improved with real feedback.
> 2025
Thriver rolls out with partners nationwide
Now available to any high street business, anywhere in the UK.
One movement. One tool. One mission.
As Thriver and SaveTheHighStreet, we’re fighting for the future of the high street. Because we believe every independent business owner deserves access to this kind of support – whether you’re brand new, or 20 years in.
If you want to get more done, whilst saving time to focus on what you’re best at: we’re here for you.
Any challenge in your business. Dealt with.
Tell us what to focus on, and an expert will be in touch to move it forward.
- No new tools to learn.
- Just reliable, expert support.
- Available when you need it.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
We offer simple monthly plans depending on the level of support you need.
Your first conversation with your expert is free, and we’ll talk through options before anything is paid. No surprises, and no pressure to continue.
Who are the experts, exactly?
People who’ve actually run and supported high street businesses. From retail and hospitality to services and more. You’ll be matched with someone who best understands your challenge.
Do I need to commit to anything?
No long-term contracts. You can start with one challenge and see how it feels. If it’s useful, you can keep going. If not, you can stop at any time.
Is this ongoing, or just one conversation?
It’s ongoing, if you want it to be. Some challenges get dealt with in days. Others are longer term goals. And we’re here to help with any challenge, anytime.
What kind of businesses is this best for?
Thriver is built for local, customer-facing businesses. Including shops, cafés, salons, studios, services and other independents, from startups to survivors to scaleups in high streets, markets and shopping centres.