Empty shops summit

Artists, policy advisors, politicians and entrepreneurs are joining forces to find ways

to fill vacant shops in the North West by organising an empty shops summit on 15 June.

Organised by the Empty Shops Network and Sirius PR, speakers will include Dan Thompson, who led the London riots clean-up last year, and Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk. Independent retailer Paul Turner Mitchell, who was included in the 2011 Drapers 100 Powerlist as one of the most influential people in fashion, will also be speaking at the event.

Dan Thompson, from the Empty Shops Network said: "The North West is the region with the highest number of empty shops in the country. But it’s also an area full of people with a pioneering spirit who would love to try out new ideas on the high street. We want to help great ideas come to life and convert empty shops into exciting new ventures."

Fashion boutique owner Paul Turner Mitchell, who was also an advisor to the Government’s independent-led Mary Portas Review, said the recession offered unexpected opportunities for new businesses.

"I was able to move into a great retail space because of the downturn," he said. "There are good deals to be had in a recession and it can be a very creative time. Let’s not forget that Microsoft started in a recession. We want to see a host of creative business ventures and community projects take to our high streets. Getting some of the country’s leading creative thinkers in one room is the first step to making this happen."