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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Jan- 2020 -6 JanuaryEntertainment
HMV to close three stores and warns of more if rent negotiations fail
HMV has confirmed that three of its stores will close this month and has warned that a further 10 could close if rent negotiations with landlords fail to secure improved terms. In a statement released over the weekend the music retailer revealed it will be closing its Bury St Edmunds,…
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Dec- 2019 -20 DecemberAnalysis
Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco
Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson,…
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17 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Mike Ashley warns of more House of Fraser closures
Despite experiencing the first “green shoots of recovery” further House of Fraser store closures are to be expected, Mike Ashley has warned. Commenting on the company’s latest half-year results, Ashley said Sports Direct is doing “as much as we can” to save as many jobs and stores as possible however…
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16 DecemberBusiness Bites
The latest business data is bad news, but the reasons given spell a good omen
This morning there was some bad news for business, but which definitely comes with a silver lining. So, the bad news first: the ‘Flash UK Composite Output Index’ from data firm, Markit, which tracks private sector business activity, found that it shrunk during the month of December. It has dropped…
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13 DecemberBusiness Bites
The election is over – time for the Tories to deliver for small businesses
It now looks as though political stasis and all the damage that does to business will be lifted in 2020. Boris Johnson’s victory in the election is the Tories’ strongest since the Thatcher era, and gives him great scope to implement bold policies. At this juncture it’s worth taking a…
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9 DecemberBusiness Bites
The Lib Dems want to abolish business rates, but don’t hold your breath
Over the weekend the leader of the Lib Dems, Jo Swinson, visited Hertforshire to discuss her party’s approach to SMEs. The timing was important: it was Small Business Saturday, an idea imported from the United States, the purpose of which is to promote buying local, and to draw attention to…
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4 DecemberHigh Street
Clintons saved from administration
Clintons has been saved from administration after the Weiss family regained control of the business through a new entity. Will Wright and Steve Absolom from KPMG, who were appointed joint administrators, sold the brand and its assets to Esquire Retail Limited – a holding company for the Weiss family. The…
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3 DecemberEconomy
Outstanding business rates challenges increase by 35%
The number of businesses waiting for challenges over soaring business rates to be resolved has jumped by more than a third in just three months, according to new figures issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The figures revealed the number of outstanding challenges has increased by 35% fuelling concerns…
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Nov- 2019 -19 NovemberHigh Street
Almost 6000 shops closed by major retailers this year, research finds
British retailing may be in “crisis”, after new figures from the Centre of Retail Research revealed that large high street retailers have faced a total of 5,834 store closures so far this year. CRR said this marked a 77% increase from the entirety of closures in 2018, when 3,303 large…
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18 NovemberEconomy
Conservatives pledge business rates review
The Conservative Party has pledged a business rates review which aims to “reduce the burden” on UK businesses, as part of its election campaign. It said business rates are one of the “top concerns” of British businesses, and added that a Conservative majority Government will launch a “fundamental review” at…
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