With many independent retailers hoping for on an agreement that will offer business rates relief for the year ahead, Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre has appealed to the government for extra support to see independent retailers throughout the pandemic.
He has written to Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, suggesting:
* An extension to the business rates holiday after April 2021. He suggests using some of the money returned by a few of the large essential retailers who benefited from the most recent rates holiday (estimated to be at least £3bn)
* A further extension of the existing rent moratorium that is due to end on March 31, 2021. He says another three months after this is the minimum requirement
* An extension of the interest-free period for business loans made available at the start of the crisis
In his letter to the Minister, Andrew stated: “Independent businesses are businesses agile, smart and really understand their market and customers. They are integral parts of the community, employing local people of all ages. They want to play their part in moving the economy forward, given the opportunity to do so. The measures I am proposing give them that opportunity.”
Also banging the drum for business rates relief is Mary ‘Queen of Shops’ Portas, who would like to see the business rates holiday extended to the end of the year.
Once non-essential retailers are allowed to re-open, she is also calling on the government to introduce a scheme, along the lines of last year’s Eat Out To Help Out initiative, to get people out onto the high street and out shopping again.
Top: Bira’s ceo has written to the new Secretary of State for Business asking for support for independent retailers.
