“It’s very robust, and the majority of national occupiers are still looking to expand,” says Steven McDonald, partner at Montagu Evans. “Despite everything else that’s gone on in the wider economy, void rates are at an all-time low and rents are at an all-time high.”

McDonald and other experts tell Property Week rents will continue to rise over the next 12 months, fuelling increased investor interest. But why is the outlook so rosy for the sector? And why are we beginning to see trade counters, traditionally confined to out-of-town locations, pop up on the high street?