by Steff ParkerIs there enough support in place to ensure retail survives the pandemic? That's the question being asked by retail membership organisation Revo as it urges businesses of all sizes and individuals to support their Shopkeepers' Campaign which calls for the reduction of business rates.
The Shopkeepers' Campaign encourages supporters to lobby their MPs to take action, calling for a substantial cut in business rates to save local shops, protect jobs and support communities.
In a plea for support, Chief Executive Vivienne King said: "The lockdowns have exposed and accelerated the vulnerability of high street and town centre retail to the advantage of online sales. Whilst market competition is a positive for our economy, high street retailers should not have to pay such high levels of business rates which puts online retail at an unfair advantage."
Revo launched the campaign calling for business rates reform in late 2020 and it resulted in parliamentary debates, events at party conferences and meetings with Treasury officials. The retail organisation is now calling for the support of everyone connected to retail and retail property to support the campaign ahead of the conclusion of the Government’s Fundamental Review of Business Rates on March 3.
"We would very much welcome your support by signing the Shopkeepers Campaign and sharing it among your networks. Through this link you can contact your MP in less than 30 seconds and call for the urgent reform of business rates. Please click through right now since there’s no time like the moment!," added Vivienne.
Since their introduction, business rates have increased by almost 50 per cent and are the largest fixed cost paid by UK retailers. The campaign aims to see the rates slashed so that shops can operate with a lower cost base, thereby ensuring their viability in the post-pandemic world.
Any businesses wanting to support the campaign in-store can request posters and additional campaign information by contacting [email protected]
