A business group has called for a specialised fund to support pop-ups and encourage new businesses to establish themselves on the high street.

The call is part of a package of new measures outlined by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in a report entitled The Future of the High Street, which is published on Monday.

As well as support for pop-ups and temporary use initiatives for new businesses, the report calls for the creation of mobile phone-based loyalty programmes and showcasing high streets in tourism campaigns.

Other suggestions include free bus fares on key routes for peak shopping days, free parking on Saturdays and two additional days a month, modern, well-maintained public toilets and creche facilities to encourage visitors to stay longer.

FSB policy and advocacy chairwoman Tina McKenzie said: “Our small businesses are an integral part of the high street and will be central in leading the transformation of their local economies.

“By providing the infrastructure, flexibility and digital connectivity that modern businesses demand, high streets will have the resources available to become resilient, dynamic hubs ready for the future.

“High streets must be helped to evolve to keep pace with changes in consumer behaviour as well as how small firms want to work.”

FSB research found 57% of local businesses said a diverse range of independent retail offerings is key to the long-term future of local highstreets, with 49% saying parking facilities are managed poorly.