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- 2018 -20 DecemberGovernment
MPs launch inquiry into business rates
The Treasury select committee has launched an inquiry into business rates as part of the Housing, Communities and Local Government committee’s wider inquiry into the high street. Chair of the Treasury select committee, Nicky Morgan said the two departments were expected to publish the terms of reference in the new…
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10 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Mike Ashley’s Flannels given £125k rates relief despite £65m turnover
Mike Ashley’s high end fashion chain Flannels has been handed £125,000 in business rates “help” by a local council amid fears that a former pub and nightclub it bought back in 2016 would be left derelict. Doncaster Council agreed the funding to Flannels’ over a “derelict” site at Priory Walk,…
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7 DecemberGovernment
Retailers could lose out on £496m refund as ATM ruling is appealed
In November, the Court of Appeal ruled that ATMs inside and outside of stores should not be assessed for business rates
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5 DecemberAnalysis
Why are retail spaces shrinking across England and Wales?
Across the UK, retailers are struggling to survive. This is down to several factors: years of austerity and low wage growth has meant that households have less spending power, the cost of imported goods has risen – as has the national minimum wage – and the trend of “bricks to…
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5 DecemberGovernment
Government clarifies details of new business rates relief
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published guidance on the details of how business rates discounts first announced in this year’s Budget will be allocated. During the Budget on 29 October, chancellor Philip Hammond announced that businesses with a rateable value of under £51,000 would receive…
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Nov- 2018 -28 NovemberHigh Street
Retail sales warm in November
Retail sales growth picked up in the year to November after growth largely stalled in October, according to figures from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). However, the group said retailers are “feeling the pinch”, with continued weakness in investment intentions, employment, and business optimism. That’s according to the latest…
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26 NovemberAdvice
Could rethinking returns help rescue the high street?
It’s a sad fact, but the traditional British high street is suffering more than ever before. With more than 24,000 shops closing their doors in the first six months of this year alone, more light needs to be thrown on retailers’ ongoing loss prevention. The overall picture painted lately shows…
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13 NovemberDepartment Stores
House of Fraser could see ‘significant’ number of further store closures
House of Fraser is set for a “significant” number of further store closures after landlords reportedly refused to agree to owner Mike Ashley’s new leasing terms. According to the Sunday Times, the Sports Direct boss met with agents at retail estate agency CBRE last week to discuss the stores to…
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13 NovemberGovernment
EU rules could ‘thwart’ Hammond’s business rates promise
Hammond’s plan to help high streets through a near £1bn, two year business rates cut, is set to be thwarted by European Union state aid rules, real estate agents Altus Group have claimed. The chancellor will slash business rates next April by discounting bills by a third for those retail…
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12 NovemberClothing & Shoes
All Saints sees profits fall by over half
Clothing retailer All Saints has seen its profits fall by over half to £10.6m in the year to February 2018. Sales rose by 8% to £327m during the same period, falling short of the £500m target owners Lion Capital had set. The investment firm bought a majority stake in All…
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