Retail boss claims 20,000 independent shops at risk as he slams Queen of Shops' review

The former chief of chain stores Wickes and Iceland has claimed that 20,000 independent shops in the UK are at risk of closing, in an alternative report into the high street to be published this week.

Bill Grimsey has criticised a government report and high street rescue strategy overseen by 'Queen Of Shops", Mary Portas, as "little more than a PR stunt". Mr Grimsey has compiled an alternative report to be published on Wednesday (4 September) in which he will argue for a "holistic solution" to tackling the problems on our high streets.

Mr Grimsey has labelled Ms Portas' plans as "nostalgic" and "simply foolish" and highlighted his belief that they have failed to recognise "the convergence of changing consumer behaviour driven by technology and brought about by the prevailing economic conditions."

Among his recommendations, he will suggest harnessing technology by launching a smartphone application to assist shoppers find parking spaces and identify offers in stores, as well as creating local business plans and reforming business rates. He will also propose creating more accessible parking.

Mary Portas was commissioned by the present government to find ways to help save the high street. Her review was released in December 2011, making a number of recommendations, including creating strategic "town teams", establishing a 'National Market Day' and reviewing regulations, parking and business rates.

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