Andrew Goodacre, ceo of The British Independent Retailers’ Association (Bira) presents five things that need to be done in 2020 to help independent retailers, including cookshops and housewares stockists, and ultimately, breathe life into the high street. He writes:
‘At the start of every year there is an opportunity to make some resolutions. With this in mind I have set five ‘resolutions’ for the new government. These need to be implemented this year and I genuinely believe that they will allow independent retailers to adjust to the increasingly demanding retail environment.
I would like the government to do the following:
1. Increase the existing retail rates discount from 30% to 50%. This was promised in the manifesto but it needs to be confirmed in the Chancellor’s budget, which is due to be presented in March.
2. Incentivise investment by retailers. Due to months of political and economical uncertainty we have seen reduced investment. There should be tax incentives to encourage retailers to invest in their business, especially in technology.
3. Support new retail businesses with an extended rates free period. 2019 saw an increase in new independent business being opened, but failure rate in the first two years is very high. These entrepreneurs need time to establish their business model and high overheads are often a cause of failure.
4. Sort out car parking and ensure that all authorities offer shopper friendly parking. In the UK last year local authorities received £900M from parking fees. This is nothing more than a shopping tax that is reducing footfall on the high streets.
5. Start to level the playing field between the traditional retailers and the giant internet businesses. For too long we have heard about a digital services tax but nothing concrete. The internet business have to contribute more as the vast majority of taxes paid by retailers is falling on those retailers with premises. This cannot continue and again the Chancellor has the opportunity to do something positive in the March budget.
Are my expectation realistic? I believe they are because during the election all the parties committed to reforming business rates. I am simply asking for minor adjustments that reflect the difference between success and failure on the high street today.
We are entering a new decade and I believe that there is room for optimism. The ‘teens’ have been difficult for our members and many of the larger chains. We now enter the “roaring 20’s” and independent retailers are ready for the challenge. However, they cannot do it on their own and the government (and local authorities) need to recognise this, and do something about it.’
Top: The implementation of Andrew’s five resolutions would give a much needed boost to high streets.
