Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak, as the UK’s Prime Minister and Chancellor (formerly), plays a significant role in shaping political and economic policies that affect the jewellery industry. His decisions on taxation, trade agreements, import duty rules, and consumer purchasing power have direct implications for UK jewellers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Jewellery Focus provides detailed coverage of Sunak’s policies, fiscal statements, trade negotiations, and regulatory reforms—analysing how shifts in government direction impact business costs, consumer sentiment, and growth opportunities. Our reporting equips trade professionals with insights to adapt to evolving political frameworks.
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May- 2020 -1 MayCoronavirus
Revaluation of business rates postponed following pressure from Bira
A government plan to bring forward the next revaluation of business rates to April 1, 2021, has been shelved following pressure from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira joined other heads of the retail sector in demanding that Chancellor Rishi Sunak withdraw ‘disastrous’ legislation, which was due to be…
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Apr- 2020 -29 AprilCoronavirus
Bira calls on chancellor to bin rates reform Bill
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging the government to scrap plans to bring forward the next revaluation of business rates to April 1, 2021. Bira has joined other heads of the retail sector in calling Chancellor Rishi Sunak to withdraw ‘disastrous’ legislation, due to be discussed today (Wednesday,…
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28 AprilCoronavirus
Bira welcomes 100% government-backed loans for small businesses
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed a new government scheme to offer 100% taxpayer-backed loans for the UK’s small businesses. Yesterday (27 April), Rishi Sunak announced the scheme would start next week offering firms loans of up to £50,000 within days of applying. To access the loans, which are…
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27 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor announces 100% guarantee on small business loans
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the launch of a new ‘bounce back’ emergency loan scheme for small businesses, which will offer 100% guarantees on emergency loans. Today (27 April) Sunak told the House of Commons that the scheme would begin next week, offering SMEs loans of up to £50,000. The…
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23 AprilCoronavirus
Government launches coronavirus business financial support tool
The Government has released a new ‘support finder’ tool which aims to help businesses and self-employed people across the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. The tool allows businesses to “quickly and easily” determine what financial support is available to them during the Coronavirus pandemic. Business owners are required to complete…
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22 AprilAdvice
Will there be coronavirus help for small company directors who are paid by dividend?
The financial plight of limited company directors has been raised by the Tory chairman of the Treasury select committee. Mel Stride, a former Treasury minister, said chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to view company directors as a tranche of people who have ‘slipped through the net’ of all the other largesse…
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20 AprilCoronavirus
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal goes live
The portal for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now live, with the government saying that businesses with validated claims will receive payments within at least six days. Under the scheme announced last month, employers can claim a grant covering 80% of the wages for a furloughed employee, subject to…
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8 AprilCoronavirus
Average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in 2021, says UHY
The average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in the next year, according to new research from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. The firm’s analysis of the balance sheets of more than 13,500 SMEs in the UK showed that the average SME now has only…
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3 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…
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2 AprilCoronavirus
Chancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce an overhaul to the SME loan scheme that will allow companies to access help quicker. According to Sky News, Sunak and members of the Treasury were reportedly in talks with major lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of…
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