Mastercard, Worldpay, and Mary Portas seek innovative indies for launch of Thrive Street 2025 retail festival

Mastercard and Worldpay, in collaboration with retail expert Mary Portas, are on the look out for innovative and high potential small businesses to take part in Thrive Street 2025, an initiative championing the vitality and diversity of Britain’s independent retail sector.

This will take place over successive long weekends in October at Altogether Otherwise in Manchester’s NOMA neighbourhood and at the Truman Brewery in London’s Shoreditch. Thrive Street 2025 will host up to up to 30 independent businesses chosen by Portas and her team.

By day, pop-up markets will showcase products with purpose, character and innovation made by small, community minded businesses. By night, they will turn into hubs of insight and inspiration, with business masterclasses, expert panels and networking events open to all local entrepreneurs and retailers.

Applications for Thrive Street 2025 are now open. If you are running a small, growing and community or environmentally minded business that has reimagined a product or service in an innovative way, they want to hear from you. You can apply here.

Portas says: "Small and growing businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the soul of our communities. They bring creativity, culture, and character to our high streets - and they need more than applause; they need real support.”

“That’s why we created Thrive Street 2025 together with Mastercard and Worldpay. A space where brilliant independent brands can come together, be seen, be supported, and show the world what the future of business truly looks like.”

Simon Forbes, Division President, UK & Ireland, Mastercard, says: “Thrive Street 2025 is a celebration of commerce; connectivity and growth: in short the future of retail in the UK. I’m really looking forward to meeting and connecting with the businesses and entrepreneurs that Mary chooses and I’m really pleased that Mastercard UK is able to support them in their journey. Empowering small businesses to grow and thrive is at the heart of what we do, and this initiative is a perfect example of that commitment in action.”

Chris Wood, General Manager, SMB International, Worldpay, says: “The UK has a rich heritage of entrepreneurism and ingenuity, and at Worldpay we are dedicated to nurturing this spirit by empowering small businesses with the tools they need to grow. We are proud to support Thrive Street 2025 alongside Mastercard and Mary Portas, offering an opportunity for innovative independent businesses to redefine the retail landscape and showcase their unique offerings.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Startups will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.