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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Aug- 2025 -14 AugustHigh Street
Nearly half of indie retailers report Q2 sales decline, BIRA finds
Nearly half (46%) of Britain’s independent retailers reported lower sales in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to new figures from the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). The decline was attributed to a squeeze on household budgets and falling consumer confidence as key…
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14 AugustSupermarkets
Business rates rise could see more than 100 supermarkets at risk
More than 100 large UK supermarkets could reportedly face closure under government plans to raise business rates for the most valuable retail properties, according to the Financial Times. It learnt that the proposed changes, due to be announced in the autumn Budget, could increase rates for premises with a rateable…
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13 AugustEconomy
Number of retail job vacancies lower than pre-pandemic, ONS finds
The number of job vacancies in the wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles category fell by 10,000 in Q2, the highest volume decrease of any category, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This category also has 37,000 fewer vacancies than its…
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13 AugustComment
It’s time we had a system that stopped taxing retailers as if it were 1599
Our high streets have had a tough time in recent years – battered by a global pandemic, war, energy shocks and soaring inflation. Yet despite it all, shops have kept going – serving their communities, creating jobs, and showing remarkable resilience. But resilience isn’t a plan for growth, and nostalgia…
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8 AugustHigh Street
Criminals exploiting weak trading enforcement, Bira warns
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has warned that a collapse in trading standards enforcement is allowing criminal operators to undermine legitimate businesses. The warning follows a new investigation by consumer group Which?, which found that 36 trading standards services reported no criminal prosecutions in the 2023–24 financial year. Some…
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8 AugustEconomy
Footfall declines in July for second consecutive year
UK footfall fell by 0.4% year on year in July, according to data from the British Retail Consortium–Sensormatic IQ, marking a second consecutive year of decline for the month. The figure was a slight improvement on June’s 1.8% fall. High street footfall declined by 1.7%, compared with a 3.0% drop…
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7 AugustClothing & Shoes
River Island’s High Court hearing delayed by one day
River Island’s High Court hearing has been delayed by a day, and will now take place tomorrow morning (8th August), having originally been scheduled for today. The sanction hearing will decide on whether a restructuring plan outlined by the retailer can be approved. Under the plan, River Island would look…
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5 AugustClothing & Shoes
River Island restructuring in question after landlord rebellion
A High Court judge will decide the future of River Island this week after a rescue plan for the company did not secure full support from its landlords and lenders. According to The Telegraph, River Island is looking to shutter 33 stores, slash rents on a further 71 shops and…
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulyFeatures
Claire’s on the brink: can the chain avoid another collapse?
For decades, Claire’s has been the go-to destination for sparkly earrings, scrunchies and ear piercings – a rite of passage for generations of teenagers. But the glitter is starting to fade. The jewellery and accessories retailer, which operates nearly 300 shops in the UK and more than 2,300 worldwide, has…
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24 JulyClothing & Shoes
River Island at risk of collapse without creditor support
River Island is reportedly at risk of collapse within weeks unless landlords and creditors approve a major rescue plan, according to the Telegraph. The retailer has proposed a restructuring strategy that includes closing 33 stores, reducing rents on 71 more, and writing off debts to avoid a cash crisis. If…
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