Business Rates
We provide essential coverage of business rates policy and reform, and how it impacts operators across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector. From government relief schemes and revaluation updates to lobbying efforts led by UKHospitality and industry coalitions, this captures the key developments influencing site viability and cost pressures. Whether you run a single high-street restaurant or oversee a multi-site pub or catering group, we explain how changes to the business rates system affect your bottom line, and what you need to know to plan ahead.
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Jan- 2020 -6 JanuaryRestaurants
Fewer closures but more job losses in casual dining, research finds
Casual dining closures fell by more than a fifth last year, according to joint research from the Altus Group and the Centre for Retail Research (CRR). Restaurant closures in the sector fell from 1,188 in 2018 to 922 during 2019, whilst total job losses rose by 8%. A total of…
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Dec- 2019 -20 DecemberBusiness Bites
Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco
Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson,…
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19 DecemberPubs and Bars
UKH ‘applauds’ gov commitment to business rates review
UKHospitality has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a fundamental review of the UK’s business rates system, after it revealed additional support to pubs. The Government has confirmed its intention to review the system in today’s Queen’s Speech announcing additional rates support for pubs that could see their business rates halved…
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16 DecemberBusiness Bites
The latest business data is bad news, but the reasons given spell a good omen
This morning there was some bad news for business, but which definitely comes with a silver lining. So, the bad news first: the ‘Flash UK Composite Output Index’ from data firm, Markit, which tracks private sector business activity, found that it shrunk during the month of December. It has dropped…
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13 DecemberBusiness Bites
The election is over – time for the Tories to deliver for small businesses
It now looks as though political stasis and all the damage that does to business will be lifted in 2020. Boris Johnson’s victory in the election is the Tories’ strongest since the Thatcher era, and gives him great scope to implement bold policies. At this juncture it’s worth taking a look…
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10 DecemberAnalysis
Year in review: trends and predictions for the hospitality sector
The UK hospitality sector continues to be an exciting industry to operate in. Up against a range of headwinds, not least the challenges of sustained political and economic uncertainty, the sector continues to prove its durability. In our Hospitality Index, we asked owners and operators of restaurants, pubs and bars…
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9 DecemberBusiness Bites
The Lib Dems want to abolish business rates, but don’t hold your breath
Over the weekend the leader of the Lib Dems, Jo Swinson, visited Hertforshire to discuss her party’s approach to SMEs. The timing was important: it was Small Business Saturday, an idea imported from the United States, the purpose of which is to promote buying local, and to draw attention to…
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3 DecemberBusiness
Outstanding business rates challenges increase by 35%
The number of businesses waiting for challenges over soaring business rates to be resolved has jumped by more than a third in just three months, according to new figures issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The figures revealed the number of outstanding challenges has increased by 35% fuelling concerns…
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Nov- 2019 -20 NovemberTrade Associations
UKHospitality launches new manifesto supporting UK’s hospitality sector
UKHospitality has published its new manifesto which outlines its desires of change from the incoming Government and the new Parliament in support of the UK’s hospitality sector. The document, Menu for Change, outlines “opportunities” for the incoming Government to support, and work collaboratively with, a sector that employs 3.2 million…
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19 NovemberRestaurants
Rosa’s Thai Cafe owners rescue Ceviche out of admnistration
The Ceviche restaurant group has been bought out by Rosa’s Thai Cafe founders, Alex and Saiphin Moore, after the group nearly fell into administration. The restaurant group, famed for its Peruvian food, filed an administration notice last month after wage increases and business rates created cost pressures for the group. …
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