High street firms braced for £759m business rates hike in 2019
England’s high streets and town centres could see business rates increase by almost £759m next year, according to ratings experts. more»
High Streets Initiative
Despite being one of the most recognisable symbols of Britain's retail economy, our high streets are under threat. A combination of taxes, shopping behaviour changes and local authority regulation are putting pressure on independent and small retailers. However, our High Streets Initiative will present the manifestation of these threats in real life and explain how the high street can future-proof itself for the next 100 years.
Will an “Amazon tax” help save the high street, or dismantle ecommerce success?
The chancellor has tabled the idea of a so-called “Amazon tax” to level the playing field between online and high street retailers. more»
Why physical picks beat virtual kicks in today’s chaotic retail landscape
The high street is in chaos. Media is fragmenting at pace. Millennials are ambivalent about marketing. So what do we do now? more»
Upskilling the digital high street: How retail jobs can match technological innovation
Frontline staff are still needed and are actually more important now than ever before. However, they must be equipped with the right tools. more»
“Perfect storm” of rising costs wipes 40 small retailers off high streets every week
Rising employment costs, spiralling business rates and high inflation are putting Britain’s independent retailers out of business. more»
These two young entrepreneurs have opened Teeside’s first vegan shop
This young couple chose to live a vegan lifestyle after seeing coverage of the Chinese Yulin dog meat festival. Fed up of paying costly prices for their produce they decided to open up shop to provide the rest of Middlesbrough with a cheaper, greener alternative to living. more»
Review opens to assess decline of cash payments on small businesses
As Britain drives further towards a cashless society, an independent review has opened to evaluate the impact of digital payment methods on consumers and business owners. more»
Rising estate agent insolvencies show high street survival isn’t just a retail problem
It’s not only retailers that face intense competition from their online rivals. more»
How smaller retailers can stand out on a changing high street
As major high street businesses struggle to cope with the rise of ecommerce and shifting shopping habits, Gary Little, co-CEO at consumer finance specialist Duologi, looks at how smaller retailers can thrive in the new retail landscape. more»
5 ways aged debt has affected small retailers and how to stop it happening to you
It seems only a matter of time before another well-known high street brand announces store closures. So, how can small businesses avoid the same fate? more»
