A town centre audit from Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) has revealed a significant shift in the town centre’s business landscape - with professional services now overtaking all other sectors.
The June 2025 Business Premises Audit, compiled by the BID, found that out of 337 business premises in Sutton Coldfield town centre, professional services account for 83 - representing 25 per cent of the total.
This makes it the largest single sector in the town centre, surpassing traditional retail for the first time.
Professional services include solicitors, estate agents, accountants, financial advisors, IT firms, insurance companies, marketing and recruitment agencies, and other industry specialists.
The BID says this shift reflects a broader national trend toward service-led town centres, driven by changing consumer habits, the growth of remote working, and a reimagining of how high streets are used.
Michelle Baker, BID manager, said: “This data confirms what we are witnessing on the ground – Sutton Coldfield town centre is evolving into a service orientated economy.
“While retail remains important, professional services are now playing a leading role in our local economy, providing stability, jobs, and attracting daytime footfall.”
The audit also reports a vacancy rate of 18 per cent, with 62 units currently unoccupied across the town centre - a figure higher than the national averages of 14 per cent for high streets and 17 per cent for shopping centres (British Retail Consortium, 2024).
However, Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID says this figure is skewed by several large, sites that are currently earmarked for redevelopment, including the Gracechurch Centre, Red Rose Centre and adjacent multi-storey car park, major plots on Birmingham Road, Queen Street and Brassington Avenue, and the former Rosie’s nightclub on Lower Parade.
Michelle Baker added: “These regeneration sites represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Sutton Coldfield town centre.
“They will bring new homes, shops, restaurants, and public spaces — and with the right investment and vision, can play a pivotal role in reducing vacancies and increasing footfall.”
According to the audit, retail now represents 20 per cent of Sutton Coldfield town centre businesses, showing a decline in dominance but still a strong presence with a healthy mix of independents and national chains.
Food and Drink (16 per cent) and Health & Beauty (9 per cent) together account for a quarter of all businesses in the town centre.
Leisure (3 per cent) and Banking (3 per cent) are stable, though leisure could benefit from further growth to diversify the town centre offer, the BID says.
