Britain is still a nation of shopkeepers, according to the latest figures.

Figures released today by LDC and the British Independent Retailers Association (bira), show that traditional independent retailers opened more shops than they closed in 2016 in Britain's top 500 town centres. By contrast, chain retailers have remained in decline with a net loss of 896 shops in 2016 across the top 500 town centres, compared to a loss of 498 shops in 2015.

In 2016, 14,621 new independent stores opened, while 14,462 closed down. This equates to a net increase of 159 shops (0.15 per cent) in 2016. This is a 36 per cent increase on 2015, when there was a net increase of 117 new independent stores nationally.

However, here in the South West, the news isn't quite as good - with 47 more shops closing than opening.

The biggest growth was in tobacconists and e-cigarette retailers, up by 42 per cent, with other growth areas including barbers, hair and beauty salons and mobile phone shops. Sectors in decline included newsagents and women's clothing.

Alan Hawkins, CEO, British Independent Retailers Association (bira), said: "It's good to have some positive new at last. It's clear that the real winners are those areas where the customer has to be present, such as hair and beauty. Service, leisure and convenience stores all showed good positive net openings."

Here at Punchline, we're big supporters of independent retailers and we welcome this news. It's great to see so many people are still willing to offer alternatives to online retailers and big chains, even in these uncertain times.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk