Business Rates
Business rates are a major operational cost for UK jewellers, impacting independent retailers, chains, and workshop owners alike. With ongoing debates around reform and relief schemes, staying informed on changes to business rates policy is crucial for managing overheads and protecting margins in a challenging retail environment.
Jewellery Focus covers the latest news and analysis on business rates, including government updates, industry reactions, and insights into how changes affect jewellery retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Our reporting supports trade professionals in navigating this complex area to safeguard their businesses.
-
Jul- 2025 -22 JulyRetailers
Independent retailers warn of ‘mounting pressure’ as half consider closure
More than half of the UK’s independent retailers have considered closing their business, according to a new survey from Spring and Autumn Fair and Save The High Street.org. Some 63.4% of respondents cited reduced customer spending and footfall as their greatest challenge, followed by competition from online platforms (57.4%) and…
Read More » -
Jun- 2025 -13 JuneNews
Warm weather fails to boost footfall in May
Retail footfall across the UK declined by 1.7% compared with May 2024, spelling a sharp drop from the 7.2% rise recorded in April, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic Solutions. The downturn affected most retail locations, with High Streets down 2.5% year-on-year, and…
Read More » -
May- 2025 -9 MayEconomy
UK footfall jumps 7.2% in April
UK footfall increased by 7.2% in April (YoY), up from -5.4% in March, the BRC has revealed. During the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, footfall increased across all segments – high street by 5.3%, retail parks by 7.5% and shopping centres by 5.6%. Across nations, footfall also…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -15 AprilRetailers
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 » -
Mar- 2025 -4 MarchEconomy
Shop price inflation remains at 0.7% despite surge in food prices
Shop price inflation remained in deflation at 0.7% in February, after also falling to -0.7% in January, according to data from the British Retail Consortium. However, this comes despite food inflation increasing to 2.1% year on year in February, an increase from the 1.6% rise in January and above the…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -20 FebruaryEconomy
UK consumer confidence drops to new low in February
UK consumer confidence slipped to a new low of -37 in February, amid the worsening state of the economy. According to the latest BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor, the economy worsened for the fifth consecutive month, down from -34 in January. The BRC reported that even Gen Z, despite being the…
Read More » -
Jan- 2025 -7 JanuaryEconomy
BRC warns of 2025 falling sales volume despite December sales growth
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned of possible falling sales volume in 2025 despite the modest increase in total retail sales experienced in December 2024. UK total retail sales in December 2024 increased by 3.2% year on year, against a growth of 1.9% in December 2023, according to new…
Read More » -
Dec- 2024 -23 DecemberEconomy
BRC warns of ‘spending squeeze’ in January
The British Retail Consortium has warned of a January spending squeeze, as BRC-Opinium data between 10 and 13 December showed that people’s spending intentions dropped 6pts. It comes as public confidence in the state of the economy “took a nosedive”, falling 8pts to -27, creating a widening gap between expectations…
Read More » -
12 DecemberDesigners
YSSO launches Mayfair pop-up
Greek demi-fine jewellery brand YSSO has announced the launch of The House of YSSO on New Bond Street, its first pop-up store in Mayfair which will be open until February 2025. The House of YSSO is open at 76 New Bond Street from 6 December 2024 to February 2025, with…
Read More » -
Oct- 2024 -30 OctoberNews
Budget: Increases to employers’ NI and minimum wage
The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has increased Employers’ National Insurance contributions in a bid to help raise as much as £40bn in taxes, pledging to also boost long-term growth and “mark an end to short term-ism” as part of Labour’s first budget since it came into power. Employers’ National Insurance contributions…
Read More »
