Chancellor
This coverage examines how the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s policies and fiscal decisions influence the UK retail industry. Retail Sector reports on Budget announcements, tax reforms, business rates, wage policies, and economic measures that affect retailers’ operating costs, investment strategies, and consumer spending power. Coverage includes expert analysis, industry reactions, and commentary on how government policy impacts supply chains, employment, and the broader retail economy. For retail professionals, this category delivers essential insight into the financial and regulatory environment shaping strategic planning and performance across the sector.
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Oct- 2018 -18 OctoberEconomy
Retail sector ‘to face £186.45m business rates increase next April’
Retail firms will see business rates increase by £186.45 next April for the year 2019/20, according to real estate advisor Altus Group. September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation, announced on 17 October at 2.4% will determine business rate rises in England for the next year. It is its…
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1 OctoberGovernment
New West End Company calls for £5bn business rate reduction
The New West End Company, which represents retailers in London’s West End has called for a £5bn reduction in business rates, financed by a 1% tax on online retailers. This week’s Conservative Party conference has seen representatives of the organisation lobbying for the reduction. Businesses across the West End will…
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1 OctoberHigh Street
Business rates could be changed to help retailers, says Greg Clark
Secretary of state for business Greg Clark has admitted that business rates could be changed in order to help high street retailers. Clark told a fringe event at the Conservative party conference that a change in business rates would be “one way” of recognising the role that high street retailers…
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Sep- 2018 -14 SeptemberDepartment Stores
John Lewis Oxford Street flagship sees business rates rise 57% in a year
John Lewis’ flagship on Oxford Street, London is expected to see its business rates tax rise from £12.68m to £19.91m up 57% compared with last year’s revaluation. According to real estate advisor, Altus Group, the Oxford Street store alone will pay £41.04m in business rates over the four years of…
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Aug- 2018 -31 AugustComment
Can VAT help save the High Street?
There are growing calls for an ‘online sales tax’ (OST) to redress the balance between physical and digital retailing but a fiscal solution may have to be more intricate – and how VAT is levied may be part of the answer. We’re all familiar with being asked in sandwich bars…
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13 AugustHigh Street
Retail footfall down 0.8%, shopping centres continue to suffer
Retail footfall fell by 0.8% in July when compared to the same time last year, despite the high street again seeing a slight rise. The figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard show that high street footfall increased by 0.3% which was the third consecutive month of growth.…
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Jul- 2018 -6 JulyEconomy
UK Treasury rejects retailers’ business rates reform calls
The UK Treasury has today rejected calls from retailers who say business rates should be reformed to create a level playing field with online retailers. During a meeting of parliament’s Treasury Select Committee, chancellor Philip Hammond said reforming international corporation tax was a higher priority for the government, adding that…
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2 JulyHigh Street
Estate agents join high street casualties as insolvencies rise
Around 153 estate agents have gone insolvent in the last year, up from 148 the year before, according to a new report. Accountancy firm Moore Stephens found that as the online estate agency market continues to grow, firms such as Hatched, Rightmove, Yopa and Zoopla have squeezed high street rivals.…
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Jun- 2018 -7 JuneOnline & Digital
Amazon to create 2,500 UK jobs
Online retail giant Amazon has announced that it will create 2,500 permanent jobs in the UK in 2018, taking the total UK workforce to 27,500 by the end of the year. The company has said that there are roles available for people with all levels of experience, education and skills,…
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Apr- 2018 -16 AprilEconomy
High street collapse down to higher business rates, says Colliers
Fifteen major retailers or restaurant groups have gone into CVA or administration in the twelve months since the April 2017 Business Rates Revaluation, according to Colliers International, the global commercial real estate agency and consultancy. Ten of those have happened since the beginning of this year – in the last…
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