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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Jul- 2018 -9 JulyGovernment
UK Treasury rejects business rates reform calls
The UK Treasury has today rejected calls from retailers and restaurants who say business rates should be reformed to create a level playing field with online retailers. During a meeting of parliament’s Treasury Select Committee, chancellor Philip Hammond said reforming international corporation tax was a higher priority for the government,…
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9 JulyBusiness
200,000 companies sued over business rates
Over 200,000 businesses were taken to a Magistrates court for failing to pay for businesses rates under the first year of the new business rates revaluation, an investigation has revealed. Real estate advisor Altus Group collated information procured under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) from all councils in England.…
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4 JulyBusiness
BRC calls for two-year freeze on business rates
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has asked the government to consider freezing business rates for two years to ease the pressure on retailers. By proposing a two-year freeze on increases, the BRC said it would give time for the government and industry to develop a proposal for an updated taxation…
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3 JulyBusiness
Restaurant CVAs rise by 143% over six months
New research has found the number of restaurants entering a company voluntary agreement (CVA) has increased by 143% over the last six months compared with the previous period. Data analysed by law firm Linklaters shows that there were 12 CVAs in the first quarter of this year. This compares to…
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Jun- 2018 -29 JuneGovernment
Mayor calls for ‘united effort’ to save London’s pubs
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called for a united effort from government, local authorities and the pub industry to help protect the future of the capital’s pubs, as he released new figures showing that there has been a long-term decline. The figures, published today, show that while pub…
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26 JuneRestaurants
Hummus Brothers goes into administration
Mediterranean eatery chain Hummus Brothers has confirmed that it has gone into administration. The group has six sites all based in London and has been in operation for 13 years. In a statement on its website and Twitter account, the group attributed its downfall to a “perfect storm” of increased…
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13 JuneAdvice
Social media – a potential goldmine for the licensed trade
The pubs and bars industry remains a challenging place be. With competition for punters ever more fierce, the rising price of food and alcohol, higher rent costs and increased business rates have made conditions ever more difficult. Savvy owners and operators are always looking for something to give them the…
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May- 2018 -31 MayAdvice
Creating a sustainable future within the hospitality sector
There is an increasing need for businesses in the hospitality industry to foster sustainable initiatives and identify practical solutions to improve their environmental impact. In fact, two-thirds (67%) of UK consumers recently stated they would boycott brands that lacked an ethical conscience. At the same time, the food and hospitality…
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25 MayBusiness
Oakman Inns sees 6.8% sales growth
Pub chain Oakman Inns has reported a 6.8% growth in like-for-like sales, with the group recording a total growth of 22.2% for the year. Growth has continued into the new financial year as the pub chain saw it up 5.2% over the first seven weeks. Oakman Inns CEO Peter Borg-Neal,…
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18 MayOpinion
Embracing the disruption – the rise of delivery
The rise of delivery is shaking up the restaurant industry. Working closely with key operators in the sector, to understand their response to shifting consumer behaviour and advances in technology, Pragma has weighed up the operational challenges of delivery, and considered what the future holds. Market Dynamics With operators facing…
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