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.
-
Sep- 2020 -1 SeptemberHigh Street
Mike Ashley warns PM of rates review delay
Retail tycoon Mike Ashley has reportedly written to prime minister Boris Johnson warning of the “disastrous consequences” if the government doesn’t conduct a review of the current business rates system. According to The Times, in a joint letter with Fraser CFO Chris Wootton, Ashley warned that without action he believes…
Read More » -
Aug- 2020 -26 AugustHigh Street
Retail jobs in sharpest fall since 2009
Retail employment fell at the fastest rate since February 2009 in the year to August, with an even sharper decline anticipated in the year to September, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey. The survey – which featured 63 retailers among its 128 respondents – also showed a…
Read More » -
11 AugustHigh Street
Frasers Group mulls Debenhams acquisitions
Frasers Group owner Mike Ashley is reportedly looking to acquire up to 30 Debenhams stores. According to the Mail, sources claim Ashley has discussed the acquisition proposals with senior members of staff, and a potential statement clarifying the speculation could be released this week. Ashley has previously attempted to take…
Read More » -
7 AugustHigh Street
Usdaw warns business rates increase could risk more jobs
Retail trade union Usdaw has expressed “major concerns” over reports that the government is considering increasing business rates for premises with a rateable value over £51,000. The news comes as reports suggest Rishi Sunak is considering increasing business rates in an effort to boost the UK economy. Instead, Usdaw is…
Read More » -
Jul- 2020 -23 JulyHigh Street
Fraser Group warns of closures amid business rates valuation delay
Mike Ashley’s Fraser Group has warned that a number of its stores could shutter as a result of the Government’s move to delay the next business rates valuation until 2023. It said occupiers of the high street, including Frasers Group fascias, are still paying business rates based upon values from…
Read More » -
7 JulyEconomy
Usdaw urges chancellor to announce retail recovery plan
Retail trade union Usdaw is calling on the chancellor to announce in Wednesday’s (8 June) economic statement an “urgent recovery plan” for the “struggling retail industry”, which is developed with trade unions and retail employers. Some of the factors, Usdaw is urging the government to cover fundamental business rates, an…
Read More » -
2 JulyCoronavirus
High street retailers ‘urgently’ need government recovery plan, says Usdaw
Shopworkers union Usdaw has urged the government to agree with employers and trade unions a recovery plan for the high street as “thousands of further job losses are announced”. The union said the scale of job losses across the retail industry is “accelerating” as the high street continues to struggle…
Read More » -
1 JulyNews
Sainsbury’s sales boosted by online growth
Sainsbury’s has welcomed a “particularly strong” online performance in its first quarter of trading, as online sales more than doubled, rising 87% year-on-year. From the start of the crisis, online orders rose from 370,000 to over 650,000 per week, and nearly 50% of new online groceries customers were reported as…
Read More » -
Jun- 2020 -26 JuneNews
Tesco sales soar as online business booms
Tesco saw sales surge in the first quarter of trading, with like-for-like sales up 8.2% despite the pandemic and nationwide lockdown. In the quarter ended 30 May, total sales were up by 9.2%, while online sales soared by 48.5% as more shoppers shifted online. The group doubled its online capacity…
Read More » -
4 JuneClothing & Shoes
New Look enters talks with landlords seeking turnover-based rent
High street retailer New Look has reportedly entered talks with its landlords about switching to a turnover-based rent system. According to Sky News, New Look has appointed the property agents CBRE and CWM to negotiate terms for its 500 store portfolio across the UK. Reports also suggest that if the…
Read More »
