Breaking News

Free event
The National Apprenticeship Service is hosting a free event on Thursday 25th March 2010 from 6-8pm at The Imagination Gallery, Store Street for London Retailers which you or your members may be interested in attending. It's an informal event, with speakers for the first hour, followed by drinks, canapés and networking. For further information please visit: http://www.brc.org.uk/brceventdetails05.asp?id=648
Withdrawal of Elgar
The Bank of England are to withdraw the old £20 featuring Sir Edward Elgar on 30th June 2010. For more information click here
Group AGM
This year's AGM is being held in York with a dinner at Castle Howard followed by 'behind the scenes' visits to 2 major department stores in York the next day. For more information click here and for a booking form click here
BRC budget submission
For information on BRC budget submission for 2010 please click here
Music to retailers’ ears as appeal court rules PPL tariffs “excessive”
Following extensive lobbying by BHF-BSSA Group, including consistent representation through the British Retail Consortium, there is finally some good news for retailers who play music in their shops. Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) is one of two licensing bodies issuing licences to retailers playing music in their shops, distributing payments to record companies, recording artists and musicians. An appeal court ruled on Friday 12 February 2010 in favour of the licensees stating that since 2005, PPL had increased its tariffs excessively, in some cases by over 400%, and that previous increases should have been capped at 10%. Commenting on the appeal court decision, Bob Jarrett of BHF-BSSA said: “This victory follows several years of lobbying on the part of BHF-BSSA Group to challenge the excessive charges. Independent retailers face a daily struggle to comply with regulation, the burden of which falls disproportionately on smaller businesses, and this result will be warmly welcomed by our members.” Licensees are entitled to refunds for any overpayments made between 2005 and 2009. There are two ways in which licensees can apply for a refund: By calculating the level of overpayment themselves and send it to PPL, stating the area of their premises in which music is audible, the amounts paid since 2005, the amount which should have been charged, and the refund due. or By completing the claim form which PPL will be circulating and have PPL make the refund calculation instead. BHF-BSSA Group has a factsheet on Music in Shop: members can contact the Information Office on 0121 446 6688 or email information@bhfgroup.co.uk to receive their copy.
Scotland's local government settlement 2010-2011 Council funding to rise despite UK cuts
26/11/2009 Householders and businesses will benefit from Scotland's 2010-11 local government settlement. John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, confirmed that: revenue funding to local government will increase by £308 million, or 2.9 per cent, on 2009-10 levels working in partnership with local authorities a further £70 million will be provided by Scottish Government for councils which freeze council tax for a third successive year, helping householders in a tough climate the business rates poundage for 2010-11 will remain in-line with England at 40.7 pence, the lowest national rate ever set for Scotland, giving Scottish businesses a saving worth almost £220 million
Carbon Trust - Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme
As an SME could you benefit from this Loan Scheme? To be eligible you must: Have traded for 12 months,have an acceptable credit rating and have an electricity bill of less than £500,000. click here to read report
BHF-BSSA merger completed
Pictured: John Dean, bssa, Jonathan Holden bssa, Sadie Chalkley, BHF Group, John Fletcher, BHF Group, Alan Hawkins, BHF Group Hard-pressed independent retailers got some good news on 30th September 2009 when their two prime trade associations signed the formal merger documents creating the leading member organisation for non-food high street shops. The new body, BHF-BSSA Group, formed to strengthen the supporting services and representational power of thousands of local shops, was unveiled at a signing ceremony at the Army & Navy Club in London's Pall Mall. New Group CEO Alan Hawkins said of the merger: "Bringing together these two well-established retail trade associations has to be the right move for the members. With over 8,000 retail members we will speak as the most important group representing small and medium non-food retail businesses. The increased negotiating power for our services, a larger market into which they can be delivered and real economies of scale will all help bolster the ability of the association to support its members at a time when it is needed more than ever." John Dean, retiring CEO of BSSA was equally expansive: "The resources, skill and expertise being merged into the new organisation could not be brought together at a better time. The heritage of both groups will be protected, but more importantly, the enhanced value for money and strengthened range of services will make membership of the BHF-BSSA Group an absolute must." Communications Director Michael Weedon added: "Expect to hear from us about every issue that bears disproportionately on the independent high street retailer, whether it is regulation, business rates, employment, age-restricted sales, town centres, taxes, planning, competition or any of a hundred burdens heaped on them by government. This new body will have a loud voice to shout for the independent."
Timetable for transitional arrangements for non-domestic rating revalution 2010 in England
The consultation period on transitional arrangements for Revaluation 2010 has now ended and the BRC has submitted their response. Click here to access.
Crossrail business rate supplement
Consultations are ongoing with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to discuss this issue. In this connection, we are providing members with access to a presentation that was made by the GLA to the British Retail Consortium earlier this month. click here to view guide.
New consumer advice guide on cheques
A new consumer advice guide has been recently published by the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company to help people avoid common pitfalls and safeguard themselves from fraud when writing and receiving cheques. click here to view guide.
New employment legislation
To view new employment legislation due 1st October please click here
BRC's paper concerning temporary reduction in VAT
To view the final version of the BRC's paper summarising member concerns about Government's approach to enforcement at the time of the reintroduction of the old standard rate of VAT - click here
Bssa quarterly sales monitor results
To access bssa's 4th quarter results of the sales monitor - click here
BRC publish new study on future of our High Streets
To access '21st Century High Street: A new vision for our Town Centres click here
GLS announce Business Rate Supplement
GLA announce Business Rate Supplement to help fund Crossrail project. Click here for summary prospectus and here for Q & As.
www.contactless.info
Contactless.info is a web site designed specifically for retailers in the UK who have an interest in Contactless card acceptance. The site contains general information about Contactless and an insight into the potential business benefits as well as training materials and point-of-sale material designs to help promote Contactless usage. The site has been prepared in conjunction with all the leading card companies in the UK.
HSBC Economic Commentary
HSBC Commentary for August 2009 click here.
Scottish Business Rate Deferral
Click here for guidance on the Scottish Rate deferral scheme
Retail Advisory Consultancy (RAC) from bssa
bssa has a number of very experienced retailers within their RAC. Many have expertise in specific fields and all are prepared to come and have an initial discussion with you on a on fee basis. In the first instance contact John Dean j.dean@bssa.co.uk or Bob Jarrett r.jarrett@bssa.co.uk
Sickness and annual leave: the remedies for unpaid holiday pay
Click here for more information from Morgan Cole.
Government publishes details of new 'Fit note'
The Government has recently announced details of the new 'Statement of Fitness for Work' which, it is anticipated will replace the current 'sick note' used by GPs in Spring 2010. Click here for more information from Morgan Cole.
Non-domestic rate referral in Scotland
Click here for advice on reate deferral scheme in Scotland.
Sales Monitor
UK sales values fell 0.7% on a like-for-like basis from January 2009, when sales had risen 1.1%. On a total basis, sales rose 1.2% against a l3.2% increase in January 2009. click here for details.
New service for members
Retailers don’t have to beat the economy in the days and months ahead, but they must perform better than their competitors. As a member of bssa you have access to ‘Retail Success Modules’ now available online by clicking here They offer a wide range of help, guidance and advice at a very cost-effective price.
Funding for Train to Gain
Who is eligible for leadership and managment funding? click here for details
Swine Flu - who pays?
Click here for more information
Eurocommerce press EU...
Eurocommerce press EU to take action with regard to the effect of regulation on SMEs by 'thinking small first'. Click here for further information.
Selling batteries? then read on...
Regulations concerning Waste Batteries and Accumulators came into force recently. They apply to "producers" (any person in the United Kingdom that, irrespective of the selling technique used, including by means of distance communication, places batteries on the market for the first time in the United Kingdom on a professional basis and "distributors” (any person that provides batteries on a professional basis to an end-user) amongst others. Members selling batteries are advised to visit www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/legislation/future/63655.aspx?dm_i=2WX,Z1J,8LFMO,24YO,1 for further information. The Regulations are available at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/pdf/uksi_20090890_en.pdf There are provisions for "small producers" (place 1 tonne or less of portable batteries on the market in the United Kingdom during a year) and "small distributors" (sell less than 32kg of household batteries to end-users in a year).
Changes to legislation
6th April 2009 is the Common Commencement Date for regulations that impact on business. To view all the changes which came into force on that date and may affect the way you do business please visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/ccd
Managing the downturn and preparing for recovery
Click here for further details.
Business Rates Victory
Click here for Business rate fact sheet and click here for press release from HM Treasury.
economy reviewed graphically
Economy reviewed graphically, click here for details click here.
Further developments of UK retirement age
Click here for more information on the UK retirement age from Morgan Cole.
Property Issues from BRC
The BRC is lobbying government heavily on the issue of Business Rates. Please click here to access more information.
SME issues coming out of Brussels
An SME agenda for the Swedish Presidency of the EU is set out by UEAPME - click here for details. Click here for weekly newsflash. UEAPME publishes the latest SME business climate index and the EU Craft and SME Barometer - click here for press release
New Package of Measures for SMEs
Recently, the Government unveiled a package of measures designed to address the cash flow, credit and investment needs of small and medium sized businesses. In order to help businesses identify their financial needs, the Government also launched a new “one stop shop” easy to use web portal. The portal, on the businesslink.gov website will direct companies to the most appropriate form of support and help them ascertain their eligibility for a range of government support. For further details on both initiatives click here.
Policing and Crime Bill
New measures to protect the public, increase police accountability and effectiveness and tackle crime and discorder are set out in the new Policing and Crime Bill For further information click here and a summary of the recommendations please click here.
Could your business be saved by a Pre-Pack arrangement?
If your business is in difficulty it could be that by acting quickly to establish a Pre-Pack arrangement you might be able to both 'clean up' the business and retain it. Click here for further guidance.
Skillsmart
Click here for Skillsmart newsletter announcing the new national Visual Merchandising Competition.
A commitment to small business lending in the current banking crisis
A copy of the letter from the CEO to HSBC seeking reassurance in the current banking climate can be accessed by clicking here.Response from HSBC click here to view.
Planning for Town Centres
bssa response to proposed changes to PPS 6: Planning for Town Centres rejects Government proposals to remove the 'need' test - click here to see full response.
New site from APACS
The Retailers and Cards website provides general help and guidance for both new and existing merchants (a retailer or shop) on accepting cards for their businesses. The site has been designed by APACS, the UK trade association for payments and for those institutions that deliver payment services to customers. For further details click here.
Point of Sale Consumer Finance
bssa is delighted to announce, as a result of discussions with various finance providers, that preferential group rates have been negotiated with Creation Consumer Finance for both bssa and AIS members. Members should click here for further information. The situation, as announced just before Christmas, in respect of Paragon Retail Finance remains.
Health of the High Street report
Health of the High Street report was launched on 27th November 2008 and has subsequently enjoyed considerable media attention. Click here for the full report.
New holiday entitlements
Minimum holiday entitlement will be increased from 20 days to 24 days this October and to 28 days from April 2009. For full details click here.
Latest news from Retail Week
Click here for the latest retail breaking news from Retail Week. Health and safety compliance presents one of the most difficult challenges for all businesses and constantly changing legislative requirements mean that many members struggle to keep up with their legal obligations.