Jess Brown-Fuller MP visits the Almshouse Arcade

Jess Brown-Fuller MP recently visited the Almshouse Arcade in Chichester to meet local business owner Sarah Barnett and speak with independent retailers about the opportunities and challenges facing high street businesses in the current economic climate. 

Established over 40 years ago, the Almshouse Arcade is home to twelve small retail units and is well known for its distinctive vintage character. Owned by the Barnett family since the 1980s, the Arcade has recently reopened following a refurbishment, welcoming shoppers and long-standing tenants back to the historic site. 

Jess Brown-Fuller met with retailers at the Almshouse Arcade in Chichester, including owner Sarah Barnett.

During the visit, Jess spoke with Sarah about the realities of running a small business at a time of rising costs, increasing competition from online retailers, and ongoing uncertainty for high streets. They discussed the vital role that physical shops play not just economically, but socially - offering face-to-face interaction, personal service, and a sense of community that cannot be replicated online. 

Jess also met several tenants, some of whom have been running their businesses for decades, to hear first-hand about their experiences, priorities, and the pressures they are currently facing. Many spoke about the pride they take in their businesses and their commitment to the local area, alongside concerns about costs, footfall, and long-term sustainability. 

The visit follows Jess Brown-Fuller raising concerns in Parliament this week about the impact of Business Rates on small and independent businesses, calling for reforms to ensure the system better supports high streets and local economies. Conversations at the Almshouse Arcade echoed many of the issues highlighted in Westminster, underlining the need for practical, targeted support for traders on the ground. 

Following the visit, Jess said: 

“It was great to visit the Almshouse Arcade and meet Sarah and the traders. Independent businesses like these are at the heart of our local economy and community, and many of the people I spoke to have been serving local customers for decades. If you haven’t had a chance to visit, it’s a treasure trove of small independents including a record shop, vintage and gothic clothing stores and a charity book shop.  

“At a time when online shopping continues to grow, places like this remind us of the importance of vibrant high streets. 

This week in Parliament I spoke directly about the pressures Business Rates place on small businesses, and it was valuable to hear directly from local traders about how the full package of costs affect them day to day”.