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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Jul- 2023 -19 JulyHigh Street
Small businesses to be offered rent-free stores on Oxford Street
Westminster City Council has partnered with New West End Company to launch a new programme called Meanwhile On: Oxford Street, which is encouraging applications from up-and-coming businesses that are looking to launch their first physical space. Meanwhile On: Oxford Street will offer “substantial” support by providing a six month tenancy…
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11 JulyEconomy
UK retail sales rise 5% in June
Total retail sales in the UK were up 4.9% in June, compared with a 1% decline in June 2022, according to data from the British Retail Consortium. This 4.9% increase is above the three month rolling average of 4.6% and above the 12 month rolling average of 4%. As well…
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7 JulyHigh Street
Heatwave dampens June footfall
Footfall fell -1.9% in the five weeks from 28 May to 01 July 2023 as hot weather meant that shoppers strayed from the high street, according to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data. The fall was worse than the three-month average increase of -1.1% and comes as high street footfall increased by 0.6%…
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6 JulyElectrical
Currys axes dividend as full-year profits slump
Currys has scrapped its dividend after revealing both profits and sales fell in its full-year results, with the group hit by “depressed demand, high inflation and unforgiving competition”. In the full-year ended 29 April, adjusted profit before tax plunged 38% to £119m, down from £192m the prior year, in part…
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Jun- 2023 -2 JuneOnline & Digital
Amazon UK tax bill rises to £781m
Amazon has reportedly paid £781m of tax in the UK last year despite its main UK division having paid no corporation tax for the second year in a row, according to The Guardian. The outlet revealed that Amazon UK Services, which accounts for over half of the retail giant’s UK…
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May- 2023 -25 MayNews
Westminster calls for landlords to end Oxford Street candy shop leases
Westminster City Council is taking its campaign against US-style candy and souvenir stores further by appealing directly to freeholders and long leaseholders to oust any tawdry tenants from their buildings. Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug, has written to 19 major property groups, whose properties house 26 US…
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19 MayDepartment Stores
Scottish shops report 10% decline in business rates
Scottish shops have seen a 10% drop in business rate bills, following a revaluation from the beginning of last month. The new Scottish Government figures reflect changing rental values, which have been updated by council assessors for the first time in six years, forming the basis for levying £3.86bn in…
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Apr- 2023 -24 AprilFeatures
Is Labour’s five-point plan a starting point to revive high streets?
Can you tell me about yourself and your experience in the retail sector? I‘ve been working in retail for the past three years, having joined BRC the week before lockdown in March 2020. I work in our corporate affairs team, which has responsibility for running the BRC’s public affairs and…
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13 AprilHigh Street
BRC calls for business rates freeze amid Labour’s high street rescue plan
The British Retail Consortium has responded to Labour’s five-point plan to revitalise high streets by calling for a permanent freeze on business rates. Leader Sir Keir Starmer revealed the party’s high streets policy during a local election campaign visit to Great Yarmouth and said that the Labour government would “boost…
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Mar- 2023 -16 MarchEconomy
Retailers welcome budget but ‘missed opportunity’ for rates reform
Retail has welcomed the support for households in the face of the cost of living crisis in the chancellor’s Spring Budget but some have criticised it as a “missed opportunity” for business rates reform. Headline measures announced by the chancellor included an increase in corporation tax to 25% for businesses…
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