MRTA Releases 2026 Traders’ Survey Report
The Mill Road Traders Association (MRTA) has published the findings from its 2026 Traders’ Survey, representing one of the most engaged consultations carried out with businesses across Mill Road to date.
With participation from over 90% of MRTA members, the report provides a detailed snapshot of the current challenges and opportunities facing local traders.
The findings highlight a number of consistent themes across the street, including declining footfall, rising operational costs, concerns around accessibility, and the wider perception of Mill Road as a destination for visitors and customers.
Key findings from the report include:
- 56.8% of businesses reporting declining performance
- 62% reporting fewer customers
- 47.1% reporting declining footfall
- Over 50% of respondents not considering the area safe or welcoming
- 56% identifying customer access as the most important factor
While access, including the role of Mill Road Bridge, comes through as a significant concern for many traders, the report also highlights a wider set of interconnected challenges including parking, perception, rising costs, marketing, and promotion.
The report does not seek to take an adversarial position, but instead aims to support a more balanced, evidence-led conversation around the future of Mill Road and the sustainability of its independent business community.
As part of the next phase of engagement, MRTA will also be organising a trader workshop alongside Curve Cambridge to further explore the findings, gather additional feedback, and help identify practical, collaborative solutions.
The full report can be viewed below.