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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Dec- 2019 -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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15 NovemberAnalysis
Is Boris sticking two fingers up at the Treasury Select Committee on Business Rates?
The worst fears from those who have read and welcomed the recent Treasury Select Committee report into business rates- that the next Government could well ignore them,- seem to be borne out by the latest Conservative party announcements on the “broken” business rates issue. Announcements last night from the Conservatives…
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15 NovemberEconomy
Boris Johnson pledges to invest in ‘left behind’ communities if Tories win
The Conservative party has proposed to reduce business rates for smaller businesses, in order to support “left-behind” towns, if they win the general election. The plans would offer support to businesses and the community, to keep the high streets open for business, save pubs and post offices, reconnect towns and…
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12 NovemberGovernment
Government must ‘play its part’ to support retail sector, says BRC
The incoming government must take action to fully support to the retail sector, the BRC has urged in its latest manifesto. The publication, entitled ‘A Vision for the UK Retail Industry’, calls for relief and reform of the industry as it navigates changes driven by new technology and changing consumer…
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11 NovemberHigh Street
Brexit woes and wet weather dampen October footfall
Retail footfall faced further decline in the month of October, according to new figures from the BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor. Footfall in non-food stores fell -6.2% from October of the previous year, whilst shopper numbers fell significantly by -3.2%. Reduced footfall was felt in all sectors of retail, across…
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Oct- 2019 -31 OctoberEconomy
Treasury Committee urges MPs to reform ‘broken’ business rates
The government has been urged to fix the “broken” business rates system as it is continuing to affect high street retailers, a Treasury committee has said. An influential group of MPs has asked the government to examine alternatives to property tax, which puts more pressure on high street retailers than…
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