All Policy & legal articles – Page 145
-
NewsStruggling small shops 'subsidising supermarkets' after rates revaluation delay
Former Focus DIY boss Bill Grimsey has slammed the Government’s postponement of the business rates revaluation, claiming it favours supermarkets while hitting smaller retailers hard.
-
NewsBreakfast briefing: Retail news on business rates, Boots and HMV
Retail news round-up October 29, 2013: Business rates revaluation postponement hits smaller retailers hardest; Boots establishes Smokers Anonymous clinics at over 500 stores and HMV revamps online presence with new site launch
-
NewsBRC takes business rates fight up a gear as it hires adviser
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has appointed Ernst &Young to step up its bid to reform the business rates system.
-
NewsBoxpark founder takes pop-up business rates plea to Westminster next week
Boxpark founder Roger Wade is set to speak to government next week to encourage it to waive business rates for pop-ups.
-
NewsFrench Sunday trading rules threaten stores' future, Kingfisher warns
Kingfisher boss Ian Cheshire has warned that the DIY giant could be forced to close stores in France if the Government there refuses to amend “incoherent” Sunday trading laws.
-
OpinionComment: Retailers shouldn't be shy about making money
Previously my political comment has been restricted to the odd jibe at “who ate all the pies” Prescott, Mr Nasty Piece-of-Work Gordon, my coalition colleagues Wishy-Washy and Flip-Floppy Nick.
-
OpinionComment: Government needs to look again at business rates data
Yesterday the new High Street’s Minister, Brandon Lewis, came to the despatch box for Opposition Day in the House of Commons to debate, at Labour’s request, zero hour contracts, high streets and changes to use orders.
-
OpinionComment: Government must act fast to simplify Chinese visas
China is an absolutely vital market for the UK. The Chinese are one of the key groups for driving growth in our retail economy, and also for business expansion.
-
OpinionComment: Today’s RPI increase demonstrates the need for business rates reform
In retail, we all know that you don’t get many opportunities to predict the future accurately. There just aren’t many times when you have access to a reliable crystal ball.
-
NewsRetailers to face extra £242m in rates next year as RPI hits 3.2%
Retailers will face an extra £242m in business rates next year as the ONS revealed September’s RPI rate of inflation hit 3.2%.
-
NewsChancellor George Osborne urges Chinese tourists to visit UK
Chancellor George Osborne has urged more Chinese tourists to visit the UK as the Government simplifies the Visa system.
-
NewsPayment Systems Regulator urged to tackle 'excessive' card fees
The Government is to create a Payment Systems Regulator, giving retailers hope that it will help tackle the high fees they pay to process transactions.
-
NewsUK town centres "absolutely" a Government priority, insists new high street minister
The new minister for the high street Brandon Lewis has insisted that UK high streets are “absolutely a priority” for the Government.
-
NewsFears Government shunning high street as junior minister appointed
Junior minister Brandon Lewis has been given responsibility for the high street after Mark Prisk’s sacking, prompting fears the Government is not taking town centre regeneration seriously.
-
NewsRetail leaders concerned for Future High Streets Forum after Mark Prisk is sacked
Retail leaders have expressed frustration at Prime Minister David Cameron after Mark Prisk was sacked yesterday amid a Cabinet reshuffle.
-
NewsHigh street minister Mark Prisk loses role amid Cabinet reshuffle
Housing minister Mark Prisk, who has responsibility for the high street, has been asked to step down as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.
-
OpinionComment: Overseas growth beckons UK retailers
Two hundred years after Napoleon’s famous observation, we are still a proud nation of shopkeepers. But for many of us, future success will mean that we have to look beyond our national borders for new market opportunities.
-
OpinionComment: Winning the battle of the high street needs engagement from Westminster
It was perhaps appropriate that Bill Grimsey chose the Churchill Dining Room in the House of Commons to officially launch his review of the high street.
-
NewsGovernment to simplify UK visa system to attract Chinese tourists
Home secretary Theresa May is set to simplify the visa system to attract more visitors from China which could allow retailers to tap into the lucrative tourists’ spending.
-
OpinionComment: Appeals backlog should trigger transparency at the Valuation Office Agency
The Government must make the setting of business rates more open and transparent in order to cut the number of unnecessary appeals and reduce the cost of the Valuation Office Agency.