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.
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Aug- 2019 -14 AugustRetailers
Over 50 retailers sign letter demanding business rates fix
Over fifty major retailers have come together to demand the government takes action to fix the “broken” business rates system. In a letter to the new chancellor, Sajid Javid, retailers have called on the government to put business rates “at the heart” of the promised new economic package. The letter,…
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8 AugustEconomy
July consumer spending hits record low
UK consumer spending in the month of July fell to a record low despite the good weather, according to the latest statistics from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG. On a total basis, sales increased by 0.3% in July, against an increase of 1.6% the previous year, it is…
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Jul- 2019 -25 JulyRetailers
Retail employment falls 2.3%, 14th consecutive quarter of decline
Retail employment has fallen by 2.3% during the three-month period ending 30 June, marking the 14th consecutive month of decline. According to the figures from the BRC, the decline is equivalent to around 72,000 more jobs lost than compared to the same period last year. Full-time employment also saw a…
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16 JulyRetailers
Around 16% of UK shops lie empty according to FOI
Corporate restructuring advisor Duff and Phelps has revealed that close to 16% of all UK retail and shop outlets remain empty, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to local councils. Its research found that over 50,000 units in 418 councils remain closed, an average of 121 empty…
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1 JulyCurrent Affairs
Boris Johnson reveals plan to rescue high street
Boris Johnson has pledged to “save the Great British high street” after unveiling a series of measures he will implement if he is elected as the leader of the Conservative party. The Tory leadership front-runner said he would implement a three-step plan that includes making it easier for shoppers to…
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Jun- 2019 -4 JuneRetailers
Retail sales in May see ‘biggest decline on record’
Sales decreased by 2.7% in May on a total basis, excluding Easter distortions, making it the “worst decline” since records began in January 1995, according to the latest BRC-KPMG sales monitor. However, the BRC said this was against an increase of 4.1% in May 2018, itself a four year record.…
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May- 2019 -24 MayRetailers
Retail investment intentions lowest in survey history, says CBI
Retail Investment intentions for the year ahead have weakened to the lowest balance in survey history, at -65%, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. It’s a sharp drop from February 2019 (-33%), and comes as retail sales in the year to May fell at the fastest pace since…
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23 MayRetailers
Thomas Sabo announces CVA plans, five stores to close
Jewellery brand Thomas Sabo has proposed CVA plans which will see five UK stores close. According to reports the CVA will not affect its wholesale business which is run by Thomas Sabo Germany. The business also plans to move any staff that are affected by the CVA to other areas…
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8 MayRetailers
Retail sales ‘below expectation’ in April
Retail sales fell below expectations in April, despite a total sales increase of 4.1% against the decrease of 3.1% the previous year, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This was due to figures being “distorted” by the timing of the run-up to Easter, which was in April this…
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Apr- 2019 -18 AprilRetailers
UK retail sector bounces back in March
In the three months to March 2019, the quantity bought in retail sales increased by 1.6% compared with the previous quarter in 2018, according to new figures from the ONS. The sales increase has been attributed to “sustained growth” throughout the first three months of the year, and all store…
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