Narberth High Street has been shortlisted from over 150 applications in the Rising Star category of the ‘Great British High Street Awards 2018’ - which aims to find the UK’s most ambitious high street.

After a rigorous selection process, Narberth High Street was chosen by an independent judging panel to be shortlisted for the award, alsongside Cardigan in Ceredigion, and Cowbridge, Glamorgan.

The shortlisted twelve ‘Rising Star’ high streets will now battle it out in a public vote, which accounts for 30 per cent of the final scoring, and will then have the chance to impress an expert judging panel as they seek to be crowned Britain’s best.

Those interested in participating in the public vote can visit www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk for more information.

The winning entries for both the Champion and Rising Star categories will be announced on November 25 at an awards ceremony in London.

The bid by Narbeth Chamber of Commerce followed research commissioned by Visa, sponsor of the 2018 Great British High Street Awards, which revealed promising signs of renewed confidence in the country’s high streets despite a challenging retail environment.

The research from Visa found that more than half of the nation’s independent high street retailers interviewed are optimistic about the future of their local high street, whilst four out of five shoppers would miss their local high street if it was no longer there.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Narbeth High Street for being shortlisted as one of the UK’s most ambitious high streets in this year’s Great British High Street Awards.

“The calibre of entries has been extraordinary, with each showing the passion, innovation and technological advancement needed to meet the challenges faced by independent high street retailers today.

“We’ll now embark on a six-week tour of the UK, visiting each of the shortlisted high streets before making our final decisions. This is a real opportunity for local shopkeepers and the public to show us how much they value their high streets – and importantly, the steps they have taken to drive footfall.”

Sundeep Kaur, Head of UK and Ireland Merchant Services at Visa, added: “Narbeth High Street is a fantastic example of an area that has made huge strides in transforming itself to offer a range of different experiences for locals and visitors alike.

“In particular, its entry highlighted that the reopening of a former school on the high street will attract independent businesses to the area, in turn safeguarding the future of the high street and maintaining Narbeth’s reputation as a thriving market town.

“Our research shows that consumers now demand a great deal from their high streets, so it is no surprise that Narbeth High Street has made the Rising Star category shortlist for its adaptability, resilience and creativity in meeting these demands.”

Councillor Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “Narberth being shortlisted is a testament to the work and effort put in over a number of years by local business and the wider community.

“Narberth is a key Pembrokeshire attraction and a model of success other small high streets would do well to emulate. I wish them every success in the competition.”

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “This is fantastic news for all high streets in Wales recognised for their excellence and ambition to thrive in an increasingly competitive time.

“High streets across Wales are the lifeblood of our societies, providing an opportunity for small businesses to set up shop and make a name for themselves, and for people to get together and support their communities by shopping locally.

“Good luck to all of those high streets in the running in Wales, and I encourage everyone to show their support and vote for their favourite.”

The Great British High Street Awards 2018, which are being run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, sponsored by Visa and backed by other partners, is recognising and celebrating local achievements on our high streets and supporting the communities in which we live and work.

The initiative includes a competition to find the nation’s best high streets, with one winner being named in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for each of the two categories: the Champion and Rising Star Awards.

An overall winner will also be named.

For more information about the Great British High Street Awards 2018 terms and conditions and details on how to vote, visit: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk