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.
-
Apr- 2025 -15 AprilEconomy
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
Read More » -
8 AprilHigh Street
Clintons returns to FY profit following store closures
Clintons has returned to profit following a period of store closures and job losses, with pre-tax profits rising to £8.1m in the year ended 29 June 2024, up from a loss of £5.4m the prior year. Full-year sales fell from £96.5m to £82.6m over the period, which was a “satisfactory…
Read More » -
4 AprilHigh Street
Nearly half of all retail staff worked while unwell last year
Nearly half (46%) of retail staff worked while unwell at the end of last year, which is 5% higher than the end of 2023, as fears around job cuts following the autumn Budget’s tax rises took hold. According to the new Retail People Index, published by the Retail Trust and…
Read More » -
1 AprilEconomy
Retailers refrain from price rises despite looming costs, BRC finds
Retailers did not resort to price rises throughout March, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, despite rising cost pressures. It comes as high street retailers are competing for reluctant shoppers, who are more likely to be pulled in with seasonal promotions. Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -31 MarchFeatures
Spring Budget 2025: what it means for the retail industry
The UK retail sector has been navigating a volatile economic landscape, with rising operational costs, shifts in consumer spending, and policy changes placing unprecedented pressure on businesses. The Spring Budget 2025, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, was highly anticipated by industry leaders, who had hoped for measures that would alleviate…
Read More » -
28 MarchEconomy
Clothing and household goods help boost retail sales 1% in Feb
Retail sales rose by 1% in February, thanks to a strong performance in non-food stores such as clothing, household goods and department stores. according to The Office for National Statistics (ONS). The largest monthly increase was seen in household goods stores, which were up 6.8% month-on-month, their biggest increase since…
Read More » -
25 MarchDIY
Kingfisher profits fall 7% to £528m in FY24
Kingfisher has reported a 7% dip in profits to £528m, including £33m of one-off business rates refunds at B&Q, during the year ended 31 January 2025. The home improvement retailer, which owns B&Q and Screwfix, has seen its total sales decrease 0.8% to £12.7bn. Operating profit for the group also…
Read More » -
7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
Read More » -
7 MarchHigh Street
Retail parks lead the way as footfall sees small bounce in February
UK footfall edged up 0.2% in February as the performance from UK retail parks helped footfall increase for the second consecutive month, according to the latest BRC-Sensormatic data. Footfall increased by 0.1% at UK high streets, down from 4.5% in January, while Shopping Centre footfall increased by 0.1% in February…
Read More » -
7 MarchHigh Street
HMV halts UK expansion amid rising wage costs
HMV has halted its UK expansion in anticipation of the rising wage costs due to commence next month, and will open stores in Ireland and Belgium instead, The Guardian has reported. According to managing director Phil Halliday, HMV had ambitions to open as many as 10 additional stores in the…
Read More »
