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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Jul- 2019 -16 JulyHigh Street
Around 16% of UK shops lie empty according to FOI
Corporate restructuring advisor Duff and Phelps has revealed that close to 16% of all UK retail and shop outlets remain empty, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to local councils. Its research found that over 50,000 units in 418 councils remain closed, an average of 121 empty…
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10 JulyAdvice
The impact of Brexit on the UK retail market
It’s no secret that the UK retail sector is facing a serious crisis, with the demise of several vendors including HMV, Toys R Us and LK Bennett a stark example of companies which have failed to stay afloat. But where did it all begin and what actions can retailers take…
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1 JulyAdvice
Retail doesn’t need a level playing field, it needs nurtured players
Barely a day goes by without another news story about a high street name in trouble. There’s no doubt that the Great British High Street is undergoing a tumultuous period. But there’s still a lot of debate about what precisely underlying cause of these issues are. Much has been made…
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1 JulyEconomy
Retailers see fastest drop in sales since financial crisis, says CBI
Retail sales volumes fell at its fastest pace since March 2009 in the year to June, according to new research from business organisation firm CBI. The survey of 88 firms found that 58% of retailers said sales were down compared with June last year. Within the retail sector, grocers were…
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Jun- 2019 -21 JuneAnalysis
Why ‘out of town’ retailers still matter
In May, we saw the Treasury committee report recommend that banks maintain a physical presence around the country and Dave Lewis, Tesco CEO, discussing the contentious issue of business rates and how the current system doesn’t support growth, to which I completely agree. Pressure is bearing down on the high…
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17 JuneEconomy
20,000 shops gone from high street since 2010
Since 2010 more than 20,000 shops have “disappeared” from high streets and the communities that they once served, according to the real estate advisor, Altus Group. Analysis of official government data by Altus Group revealed that between 2010 and 2019, 20,143 shops in England and Wales – liable for business…
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13 JuneGovernment
Businesses rates to better reflect property value under new law
Business rates payers in England will have bills that more accurately reflect current property values under new legislation introduced by ministers yesterday (12 June 2019). Property revaluations will increase to every three years, from the current five years, and the next revaluation will be brought forward a year from 2022…
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4 JuneHigh Street
Retail sales in May see ‘biggest decline on record’
Sales decreased by 2.7% in May on a total basis, excluding Easter distortions, making it the “worst decline” since records began in January 1995, according to the latest BRC-KPMG sales monitor. However, the BRC said this was against an increase of 4.1% in May 2018, itself a four year record.…
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May- 2019 -30 MayEconomy
Shop price inflation pushed up by non-food price rises
Shop price inflation increased by 0.8% year-on-year in May, with non-food inflation also increasing by 0.2%, according to the latest figures from the BRC and Nielsen. The BRC said the growth in May was the second highest inflation rate seen in the last six years, though it remains “well below”…
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13 MayDepartment Stores
Debenhams CVA could cost local authorities £8.5m in business rates
Colliers International has estimated that Debenhams’ CVA could affect up to 59 local authorities, who could lose out on £8.5m of the £17.3m rates bills the department store retailer should have been paying on properties. As part of its CVA proposals, Debenhams had categorised its properties into five groupings and…
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