Coronavirus

41% of Brits start to use independent shops during Covid-19 lockdown

Some 41% of Brits have revealed they have been shopping at their local stores since the Covid-19 lockdown was introduced. According to a new study by comparison website finder.com, 36% of Brits surveyed plan to use their local stores more post lockdown. The study revealed the primary reason why shoppers…

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Business rates revaluation postponed until 2022

A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 in line with the government’s latest efforts to “reduce uncertainty” for firms affected by the ongoing pandemic.   Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP confirmed that legislation has now been introduced to bring the next revaluation forward by…

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NAJ issues preliminary guidance for jewellery retailers

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has published new guidance to help jewellery stores across the UK and Ireland make preparations for when ‘lockdown’ is lifted. The association confirmed that this “non-exhaustive” and preliminary guidance would be the first of a number of versions that would be released over the…

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Theo Fennell silent auction raises £7,000 for charity 

Theo Fennell has donated over £7,000 to the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation’s Covid-19 Appeal through a series of silent auctions. The auctions in question featured “one-of-a-kind” pieces designed by creative director Theo Fennell in his design studio, with 15% of proceeds going towards the London-based foundation. The foundation, which raises…

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Furlough errors could cost small firms

SMEs are making errors on their applications for the Government’s furlough scheme, meaning they will have to repay thousands of pounds back to HMRC later, accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young has said. The firm explained it has seen many small business applications for the furlough grant that includes the cost…

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Bira supports top-up scheme for local business grant funds

A new scheme to top-up local business grant funds has been welcomed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira has been pressuring the government to go further in its grant scheme to accommodate small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. In response, Business Secretary…

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H.Samuel donates further £20k to Who Cares Wins Appeal 

H.Samuel has reportedly donated a further £20,000 to support the Who Cares Wins Appeal for NHS workers. The appeal, launched by The Sun newspaper, works to provide funds for health care workers during the ongoing pandemic. All proceeds raised go towards the NHS Charities Together’s Covid-19 urgent appeal. The jeweller…

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Government launches new Bounce Back loans

Thousands of small firms and sole traders will be eligible for 100% government-backed Bounce Back Loans to help them make it through the coronavirus outbreak. From today (4 May), small business owners can apply to accredited lenders by filling out a simple online form, with only seven questions. The government…

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Bira releases ‘life after lockdown’ strategy

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has released its 10-point “life after lockdown” strategy, calling on the government to consider lifting restrictions on smaller retailers first. In an open letter, CEO Andrew Goodacre’s survival plan encourages retailers to consider sustainable retail, customer focused experiences and multi-channel sales to survive post…

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Pandemic ‘adversely impacting’ designers, says GC and DC

The ongoing pandemic is “adversely” impacting designer-makers across the UK, according to a recent survey carried out by The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council (GC and DC). In response to the survey, the council is now set to announce a series of new initiatives to “support, connect and inspire isolated…

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