Can Burnham save Britain’s high streets? (FT 19/08/2026)
This is a letter from Matthew Hopkinson that was published in the Financial Times on 24th August 2026.
HOW “LEFT BEHIND” PLACES & THE NEW UEP FRAMEWORK RESHAPE LOCAL FUTURES
In recent years, the phrase “left behind” has moved from a vague political slogan to a precise, measurable reality across the UK. Scholars and parliamentary bodies defi
Launch date announced for Understanding English Places (UEP)
TODAY is a GOOD NEWS day as we announce the official launch date of Understanding English Places (UEP) – an independent and comprehensive source of facts and figures on every tow
Stockton on Tees fundamentally redevelops its offer in retail and space
On Thursday Matthew Hopkinson was asked up to Stockton on Tees by BBC News to be interviewed by Emma Simpson on the huge regeneration of Stockton on Tees where the council acquired
Towns in Ireland adopt the Didobi Night Index to evaluate their night-time economies.
“The Didobi Night Index is an assessment tool which helps to measure a town’s NTE, through the combination of responses from multiple questions, linked to four different as
Case Study: Understanding Irish Towns
Town Centre First aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, s
Active Travel Economic Impact Assessment
Working with Rise Associates and Thrive Economics, we have delivered an Economic Impact Assessment of Southampton City Council’s plans to reduce traffic and promote more walking
Didobi appointed Night-time consultant to Greater London Authority 24-Hour London Team
Together with Urban Change Specialists Publica, Didobi will deliver a bespoke programme of support to London Boroughs developing evening and night- time strategies
Understanding the challenges facing town centres
Great work by members of the team in Tamworth on a recent project to address the barriers preventing high street investment and diversification in Tamworth.