Business Rates
This coverage examines business rates policy and its implications for the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on government decisions, reforms, rate relief measures, and their impact on store operations, profitability, and investment decisions. Tailored for retail executives and managers, it provides analysis to help navigate costs, advocate for change, and plan effectively in response to fiscal pressures.
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Dec- 2023 -1 DecemberHigh Street
Early signs of footfall recovery ahead of festive trading, BRC finds
The retail sector experienced early signs of footfall recovery in November as total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% in November(YoY), an improvement on -5.7% in October, according to the latest data from the BRC. High Street footfall decreased by 1.7%, an improvement on -4.6% in October, whereas Retail Parks again…
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Nov- 2023 -28 NovemberEconomy
Falling inflation under threat in 2024, BRC warns
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that the current trend of falling inflation could be under threat in the New Year in the face of new headwinds such as rising business rates and new regulations. This comes despite Shop Price annual inflation having decelerated further to 4.3% in November,…
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23 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief-23/11/23
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has criticised the chancellor, accusing him of neglecting larger businesses in his Autumn Statement. While the business rates multiplier for small businesses was frozen, larger ones received no relief. The decision to increase the business rates standard multiplier has drawn sharp criticism, with BRC’s CEO,…
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23 NovemberGovernment
BRC accuses Hunt of ‘selling out’ retailers and customers
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has accused the chancellor of selling out retailers and customers in his Autumn Statement delivered yesterday (22 November). In the budget Hunt froze the business rates multiplier for small businesses but offered nothing to larger ones. He also increased the National Living Wage to £11.44…
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22 NovemberEconomy
Chancellor cuts National Insurance to 10% alongside NLW rise
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced a series of measures to help boost the UK economy as part of his Autumn Budget including slashing National Insurance by 2% and freezing business rates for retail and hospitality. As part of the new measures, Hunt revealed that National Insurance will be cut from…
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21 NovemberNews
Businesses call to freeze Northern Ireland rate
A diverse range of business organisations have united to call on the leaders of the local political parties to support their call for the regional rate in Northern Ireland to be frozen. The director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Neil Johnston led the appeal and has been supported by…
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14 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief
Next has defended its chair, Michael Roney, after more than 20% of shareholders voted against his re-election at the annual general meeting. The votes against Roney were primarily due to concerns that he was “considered as overboarded,” with a secondary issue related to the gender makeup of the board. Under…
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14 NovemberSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s, M&S and Currys call for business rates freeze
Supermarket retailers such as Sainsbury’s, M&S and Currys have urged the chancellor to freeze business rates for all retail businesses at the forthcoming Autumn Statement. According to the British Retail Consortium, as things stand, business rates for retailers in England alone will increase by 6.7% next April, which represents an…
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8 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief-8/11/23
JD Sports is facing scrutiny over a £3.5m non-compete deal with its former CEO, Peter Cowgill. This agreement, signed in September of the previous year, was intended to prevent Cowgill from working with or advising competitors for the next two years. However, it has come to light that Cowgill has…
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8 NovemberGovernment
BRC welcomes government pledge to bring down inflation
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed the government’s pledge to bring down inflation as outlined in the King’s Speech yesterday (7 November). However, the body has criticised the decision to omit retail crime from its pledge for future crime legislation. As part of his speech the King announced that…
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