Breaking News

Changes to standard rate of VAT from 1 December
LACORS (Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) have issued generic advice to local enforce bodies in dealing with the recent change to VAT - it will also apply to other subsequent changes. Click here to access. This may be of assistance to members, particularly if the view of their local authority enforcement team differs from the advice given.
Skillsmart
Click here for Skillsmart newsletter announcing the new national Visual Merchandising Competition.
Daily Telegraph
Daily Telegraph pick up on bssa call for interest rates to be passed on to SMEs. Click here for further details
BRC Conference
Please see the attached Conference Programme for Counter Terror Expo 2009, 10-11 February 2009 - QEII Centre London www.counterterrorexpo.com.
Letter to MasterCard
In concert with the British Retail Consortium and other sector based Trade Associations, bssa has written to MasterCard, click here to view letter, to express our serious concern that, as the world economy falters, MasterCard’s dramatic fee increases and the introduction of a new development fee can only undermine hard-pressed customers and businesses. Together these increases could add up to £15 million a year in costs on all MasterCard transactions in the UK which will ultimately be passed onto retailers and will be inflationary. Their action shamefully ignores the current plight of our members and smaller retailers in general and we therefore expect MasterCard to publicly provide a full justification for its charges. For BRC press release on Mastercard click here.
Be Card Smart Online
On 20th October APACS launched a new press and online communications campaign to raise awareness amongst consumers of the simple steps they can take to shop safely online. ‘The Be Card Smart Online’ campaign will run through to Christmas and will highlight four key pieces of advice for consumers: Keep your PC protected Register your Cards with Verified By Visa or MasterCard SecureCode Look for the Padlock Always Log Out If you would like to know more about the campaign please contact Jason.kemp@apacs.org.uk or claude.slatner@apacs.org.uk
An Opportunity for free business coaching!
Yes, it’s true. Karen Skehel, MD of Walk on Waves Coaching, has access to government money, £1000 per person to assist owners with their business development. The actual package costs £1,500 but due to the work Karen has already done with bssa members, she will offer the first five candidates a further discount of £500, making the package FREE, and a further discount of £250 for the next ten applicants. For further information access www.wow-coaching.co.uk and click on pink box at bottom right of page or contact Karen@wow-coaching.co.uk Here is what one of our members said.. "I was quite sceptical about what coaching could help me achieve, and thought that I would never have time to fit it in ! Actually, I have loved the time that I have spent with Karen Skehel at Walk on Waves Coaching and she has helped me to achieve calm and strength at the same time. I really look forward to going to see her. She has also helped me to streamline my thoughts and aspirations for the business. It is very inspiring ..."
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.
HM Treasury support for UK Banks
The historic and unprecedented statement on 8th October from HM Treasury on the range of measures which the Government have introduced to support the UK Banking Industry can be accessed by clicking here. Amongst the major headlines there is a clear statement from the Government that “in reaching agreement on capital investment, the Government will need to take into account dividend policies and executive compensation practices and will require a full commitment to support lending to small businesses and home buyers.” Whilst recognising that the details are unclear and that therefore this promise may or may not be enforceable, we expect it to be honoured particularly in ensuring that the interest rate margins that banks charge on existing borrowing facilities such as loans and overdrafts are not increased. The reduction in bank base rate should have strengthened this position. We know that this has been a problem in recent weeks and would therefore urge affected members to discuss the matter further with their bank in the light of this commitment and let us know, in turn, what reaction you have received. Please address your comments to our Director, Bob Jarrett.
Positive message from HSBC
As a major service provider to bssa for both card acquiring and banking, we reproduce below for the benefit of members, a positive message from HSBC Bank plc which they have issued to all their customers in response to the current financial crisis: "In order to achieve the Government's requirements for increased capital in the UK banking industry overall, we have today further strengthened the already healthy capital position of HSBC Bank plc with a £750 million increase to its capital from our own resources. We have no plans to utilise the UK government's recapitalisation initiative. HSBC continues to support efforts to stabilise the operation of financial markets and, indeed, over the last three days has provided significant amounts of liquidity to the London interbank market, lending around £4 billion to other banks. HSBC welcomes the move by the UK government as a means of restoring confidence in the banking sector. HSBC is one of the most strongly capitalised and liquid banks in the world (Tier 1: 8.8% as of 30 June 2008). HSBC has more deposits than loans. Our 100 million+ customers entrust us with $1.2 trillion dollars of deposits. We have broad-based earnings both by geography and business type. We are gaining market share in many of the geographies in which we operate. Our shares are outperforming almost all of our peers and the major indices. HSBC's global credit rating is AA- and has remained stable throughout the past year's market volatility. We are open for business when many are not."
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.
Sales Monitor
UK retail sales fall 2.2% compared with October 2007. Sales performance were lower than a year ago for the first time since April 2005. click here. Economy reviewed graphically, click here for details click here.
A Strategy for Successful Community Hubs
The Conservative Commission into Small Shops in the High Street was published on 10 July. It calls for much closer coordination of town management and proposes some imaginative means of improving the lot of small retailers and the high street generally in terms of planning, crime, competition, parking and rates. The full report can be accessed by clicking here.
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.
BRC Briefing Note
Carrier Bags - members click here for more information.
Government Approves New Minimum Wage Rate
The Prime Minister today announced the adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate will rise from £5.52 to £5.73. The rate for 18-21 year olds will also increase from £4.60 to £4.77, while the 16-17 year old rate will rise from £3.40 to £3.53. Nearly one million low paid employees, two thirds of them women, will benefit from the increase. The Government has also boosted funding for enforcement of the NMW and is planning tough new penalties for rogue employers who underpay staff as part of the Employment Bill, now before the Parliament. To view the latest member newsflash from BRC click here.
BRC Half Year Report
Click here to see a comprehensive overview of all activities in which BRC are currently involved. The report covers all aspects of future legislation and provides retailers with much useful information.
Health of the High Street report
Health of the High Street report was launched on 27th November and has subsequently enjoyed considerable media attention. Click here for the full report.
Oxford Retail Masters Forum
Click here to view the dedicated Oxford Retail Masters Forum website.
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.
Update on Key Policy Action
Click here to see the latest action on forthcoming key policy matters as they affect retailers.
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.
Economic Review
This monthly report from the BRC provides an overview and analysis of the UK's economy. It brings together key economic and consumer indicators relevant to the retail industry from a variety of sources, giving vital insight into the performance of the economy, the retail sector and the mood of the consumer. Click here for the report.