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.
-
May- 2020 -6 MayCoronavirus
Business rates revaluation postponed until 2022
A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 in line with the government’s latest efforts to “reduce uncertainty” for firms affected by the ongoing pandemic. Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP confirmed that legislation has now been introduced to bring the next revaluation forward by…
Read More » -
4 MayCoronavirus
Government announces new £617m scheme for SMEs in shared office spaces
The Business Rates loophole which meant small businesses in shared office space missed out on a £10,000 cash grant has been plugged with a new £617m funding scheme. The Department for Business, Energy, Innovation & Skills (BEIS) confirmed the new £617m scheme to support businesses in shared spaces, regular market…
Read More » -
Apr- 2020 -30 AprilCoronavirus
Sainsbury’s to face £500m profit hit
Sainsbury’s has warned that its annual profits could take a £500m hit as a result of the ongoing pandemic, despite a recent rise in grocery sales. The supermarket giant said the profit impact was due to “significant costs” in light of the nationwide lockdown, such as weaker sales fuel, clothing…
Read More » -
27 AprilCoronavirus
Co-op expects £200m increase in costs amid Covid-19 crisis
The Co-op has warned that the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to increase its costs by over £200m. The grocery retailer also revealed it expects the increase which will be partly offset by increased food sales and the expected business rates relief announced by the chancellor. CEO Steve Murrells said no…
Read More » -
23 AprilCoronavirus Featured Content
The role of the physical store post-lockdown
The role of the physical store post-lockdown Retailers have been hit by an escalating “perfect storm” of issues recently – digital disruption, business rates increases, a weak Christmas peak, and now the Covid-19 virus. Businesses with greater debts, low cash reserves, and reduced margins were sadly always going to struggle,…
Read More » -
8 AprilCoronavirus
Tesco: Sales rise 30%, but virus could cost nearly £1bn
Tesco has revealed that its sales rose 30% in the first few weeks of the coronavirus crisis, in light of increased stockpiling and panic buying across the country. The surge in sales has now stabilised, however, and the group has reported that normal sales volumes are now being experienced. In…
Read More » -
Mar- 2020 -30 MarchCoronavirus Featured Content
The minimum wage increase is about to hit – and it beggars belief
As if to bang the final nail into the coffin himself, we can only assume the Treasury’s top man, chancellor Rishi Sunak, refuses to give ground on the next wave to crash over the retail and hospitality industries. I am talking of course about the increase in the National Minimum…
Read More » -
26 MarchCoronavirus
Intu receives only third of rent
Intu revealed that it has received only 29% of its second quarter rent that was due from tenants on 25 March. For the same period last year, it had received 77% on the quarter day, and the group is now in discussions with its customers regarding the outstanding rents. In…
Read More » -
25 MarchHigh Street
New Look asks landlords for three-month rent holiday
High street fashion retailer New Look has asked its landlords for a three month rent holiday as it looks to reduce costs during the coronavirus outbreak. In a trading update, the retailer revealed a series of measures focused on preserving cash, maximising liquidity, managing working capital. The measures include: Significantly…
Read More » -
24 MarchCoronavirus
Covid-19: Debenhams, Ted Baker and The Works latest to close stores
Debenhams, Ted Baker and The Works are some of the latest retailers to close stores amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the UK. Debenhams said it took the “tough decision” to close stores yesterday evening as a result of the current circumstances, but hopes to reopen as soon as it is…
Read More »
