How business rates reform can thwart the retail apocalypse October 1, 2019 When businesses like Thomas Cook fail to adapt, they are smited by new technologies with leaner business models and more efficient practices. This is Joseph Schumpeter’s creative destruction in action. Yet there is something profoundly bleak about boarded-up shops or “clearance sales” posters in the windows of once thriving businesses – particularly as the demise of [...]
One in 10 high street shops lie empty as retailers face spring reckoning February 10, 2019 The extent of the crisis facing UK retailers was laid bare this morning after new figures revealed one in 10 high street shops lie empty, while a string of upcoming cost increases could deal a death blow to struggling stores in the spring. Rising taxes and a shift to online shopping have ravaged British high [...]
Mike Ashley calls for online sales tax to revive high street December 3, 2018 Sports Direct billionaire Mike Ashley has urged the government to tax online retailers as he put up a spirited defence of his own retail operation in front of MPs today. In a fiery appearance in front of a parliamentary committee the retail tycoon said “web boys” that make over 20 per cent of their retail [...]
Cash machine ruling hits London councils with £60m rebate November 19, 2018 London councils are to cough up a hefty rebate to retailers following a recent court ruling that decided firms should not be liable for business rates on cash machines outside their stores. Nearly 2,400 supermarkets, small shops and petrol stations are set for a £60m windfall from London’s councils following a five-year legal dispute which [...]
Lobby to push for a business rates shake-up June 11, 2015 BRITAIN’S outmoded business rates system needs to be “simpler and fairer” with more frequent valuations and removal of the levy for the smallest properties, the UK’s biggest lobby group has warned. The Treasury launched a long-awaited review of the controversial rates system in March, with businesses invited to submit their proposals before today’s consultation deadline. [...]
Headache for retailers as business rates to reach record level in 2017 March 30, 2015 Businesses will be footing a rates bill based on half of the rental value of their properties – the highest level yet – according to research out today. Business rates, charged on commercial properties including offices and shops, are calculated according to their rental value. The system has been blamed for the demise of the [...]
Budget 2015: Business rates could get a major overhaul in the budget as George Osborne reveals reform review plans March 15, 2015 A long-overdue review of how business rates are calculated could be in the chancellor’s package of budget promises designed to woo businesses in the run up to the General Election. George Osborne pleased British businesses by initially pledging that a review would take place in his Autumn Statement last year. Now further plans are set [...]
Which London business pays the highest business rates? Harrods, Citigroup and HSBC- but it’s not as much as the government’s Home Office bill January 16, 2015 Harrods is paying the biggest business rates bill of any business in London while five banks are in the list of top 10 highest payers thanks to their Canary Wharf based UK headquarters. The Knightsbridge retailer is paying £12.04m for it's in-demand and high-end location while fellow luxury store Selfridges is also paying the seventh largest [...]
Retailers cheer at review into business rates December 3, 2014 RETAILERS welcomed plans for a full review of the UK’s 400 year-old business rates system, seen by the industry as one of the biggest threats to the future of businesses on the high street. Businesses have long called for a reform of rates, which are charged on commercial properties including shops and calculated according to [...]
Autumn Statement 2014: Stamp duty, business rates, banking profits and tech firm taxes. How has industry responded? December 3, 2014 There were a number of surprises in George Osborne's final Autumn Statement before the general election, many of which are solidly aimed at middle class voters. Bankers taxes are being limited, multinational tech firms are going to have to pay more taxes and stamp duty slabs have been scrapped. The squeezed middle and chattering [...]