Media Commentary 2021

This page provides a listing of, and links to, some of the media commentary produced by Leigh Sparks on various retail related topics.

June

This should be a turning point for our town centres, Herald, 25th June (Agenda column)

The opening of the St James Quarter in Edinburgh: BBC News, (Edinburgh St James Quarter Shopping Centre Opens) 24th June; BBC Radio Scotland (Good Morning Scotland, 0650 AM), 24th June;

The Times, 26th June;

Daily Record, 26th June;

Harnessing the digital world to protect our businesses, Scotland on Sunday, 13th June

April

Shops hoping for just another Manic Monday as lockdown relaxes again, Sunday Post, 25th April

Top retail academic says John Lewis bosses will aim to get best possible deal they can to stay in Aberdeen, Press and Journal, 6th April

March

Where will Covid leave our towns – and the Co-ops that operate in them? Co-op News, March 31st

Retail expert says bosses will regret their decision, comment on the closure of John Lewis in Aberdeen, Press and Journal, 25th March

February

Scottish National Investment Bank should fund revival of Covid ravaged high streets, Herald, 11th February

Five year ban on out of town developments could save Scotland’s high streets – report and piece on Town Centre Action plan recommendations, Herald, 7th February

The publication of the Town Centre Action Plan Review (Chair: Leigh Sparks) is covered in a range of places:

Scotsman, The Times, Edinburgh Evening News, Press and Journal, The Herald, Sunday Post, The Courier, Evening Express, Evening Telegraph, Daily Business all 3rd February, Scottish Construction Now, 4th February

and a commentary piece in the Times (the Thunderer), 3rd February

I also appeared on ITV Borders, Representing Border, ITV News, 3rd February

January

Losing iconic name is a massive blow to iconic city street, Daily Record, 26th January

Is Jenners’ closure the end of Princes Street’s last department store or a warning shot? Scotsman, 25th January