Montagu Evans’ Post

A Rating Surveyor calling for Rates reform, is that a turkey voting for Christmas (other main courses available)..? Maybe, although if I'm entirely honest, I'm quite fond of Business Rates (they help pay my mortgage) but like Christmas I'd prefer a "light" version that was a bit less expensive, more relevant to today and didn't create so much frustration. Read my thoughts, I would welcome yours and do reach out if you need help demystifying the "Story of Business Rates".... #BusinessRatesLight #MERating

Sainsbury's recently issued a report detailing the impact of business rates and urging the government to reduce the burden. Simon Green, Head of Business Rates, spoke to City AM echoing the importance of reform for all ratepayers saying, “The government’s approach to planning reform has highlighted that it is happy to take the bull by the horns and make changes quickly… the same approach is now needed on business rates,” Read the article in full here: https://okt.to/rQLCjx

🚨 Retail in Crisis: How Business Rates are Impacting the High Street 🚨 As wages increase and more pressure builds on physical stores, Sainsbury’s raised a serious concern: without reforming the outdated business rates system, UK high streets could be in real trouble! According to a report, a 20% cut in business rates could create 17,000+ retail jobs. But if things stay as they are, we could see 17,300 UK shops shut their doors in the next decade. 😨 The future of the high streets depends on some big changes, and fast. 4,300 retail jobs could disappear in 2024/25 if nothing is done. That has a huge impact on both local communities and the economy. 🔍 What can be done to keep the high street alive? CBI suggests that a system that uses bands like income tax would create a fairer way to assess business rates. 💸 It’s time to rethink the way business rates work and find solutions that support businesses of all sizes.

After a tough period during the global cost-of-living crisis caused by stubborn inflation and high interest rates, retail sectors in the UK and SA are showing possible upside potential. Shifting consumer sentiment in the UK may support retail and consumer discretionary stocks, with consumer confidence edging higher in April as easing inflation and the prospect of further tax cuts made people more willing to spend, a survey by GfK Ltd found. Locally, election polls and predictions are painting a clearer picture of the potential for a sensible ANC-led coalition outcome come 29 May. There are also potential tailwinds on the horizon, with the two-pot retirement system implementation in September likely to see a pre-tax withdrawal of R40 billion in Q4 this year, with interest rate cuts likely to meaningfully impact forward-looking expectations in 12 month's time. Given depressed local valuations among retailers, Investec Market analysts are taking the most positive Buy slant on the sector in over four years across a basket of retail stocks, including Mr Price (MRP-JSE), Pepkor Holdings (PPH-JSE), Pick n Pay Stores (PIK-JSE), Shoprite Holdings (SHP-JSE), Spar Group (SPP-JSE), Foschini Group (TFG-JSE), Truworths (TRU-JSE) and Woolworths (WHL-JSE). #ClaritybyInvestec #retail #sector #stocks #investing #trading Note: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice.

Retail insolvencies expected to increase. Jobs data surprises. UK economy 5% smaller due to Brexit. And more business news that we thought would interest our members. https://lnkd.in/e29UezpN #businessNews #creditmanagement #finance #smallbusiness #latepayment #insolvencies #economy

Retail insolvencies expected to increase. Jobs data surprises. UK economy 5% smaller due to Brexit. And more business news that we thought would interest our members. https://lnkd.in/eYQBspcb #businessNews #creditmanagement #finance #smallbusiness #latepayment #insolvencies #economy

Retail is the “everywhere economy”, a vital part of the socio-economic fabric of the UK. 🛍️ The industry plays a central role in serving communities, providing rewarding careers and driving economic growth. The UK has one of the most vibrant and dynamic retail industries in the world, contributing £99.5bn to GVA in 2023 and accounting for 5% of GDP. 💰 Today, we want to spotlight the inspiring initiatives of our members who are providing economic value and serving local communities across the country. 💸 📣 Retail’s economic impact could go further with the right policy environment. That is why we are calling on the government to #BuyIntoRetail and develop a more coordinated approach to tax, policy and regulation to recognise the cumulative cost burden on retailers and its impact on consumers. Homebase John Lewis Partnership Morrisons #Investment #Retail #Community #EverywhereEconomy

With the King’s Speech taking place today (July 17), calls are growing louder for further reform to business rates to aid footfall recovery in the retail sector. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is pushing for a new fast-track planning system and reform of business rates after the latest figures revealed that UK footfall fell 2.3% year on year last month (July). That was according to the BRC-Sensormatic figures. https://lnkd.in/eZXV3dHU #retail #BRC #businessrates #rating #reform #footfall

With the King’s Speech taking place today (July 17), calls are growing louder for further reform to business rates to aid footfall recovery in the retail sector. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is pushing for a new fast-track planning system and reform of business rates after the latest figures revealed that UK footfall fell 2.3% year on year last month (July). That was according to the BRC-Sensormatic figures. https://lnkd.in/eZXV3dHU #retail #BRC #businessrates #rating #reform #footfall

UK pub closures reach 10-year high. Call for closure of loophole exploited by Chinese. UK private sector growth signals recovery. Bank of England, retail, markets, & more business news that we thought would interest our members. https://lnkd.in/eHe2cdgk #businessNews #creditmanagement #finance #smallbusiness #latepayment #insolvencies #economy