Breaking News

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
Internet sales up 7.6% on 12 months ago whilst non-food sales fall by 2.4% continues to show pressures the high street is under 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).
Report on budget from HSBC
Click here for more information
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.
BRC Calendar of events
Click here for details of forthcoming events from the BRC including their Annual Conference.
Business Rates Victory
Click here for Business rate fact sheet and click here for press release from HM Treasury.
BRC Budget subsmission
Click here for more information on the Budget Submission from BRC in advance of the budget.
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.
BRC Economic Briefing Report
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.
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
Please click here to access.
Case Study - Fludes Carpets
In November 2008 Newhaven based Fludes Carpets Limited were notified by their supplier of the contract renewal prices to be applied for the continued supply of electricity following the end of their two year contract in early 2009 – these renewal terms would have meant an increase in costs of circa. 72%. Through their own enquiries and efforts Flude Carpets secured a 12 month supply quote that reduced this increase to 62%. As Fludes Carpets are members of British Shops and Stores Association (bssa), Managing Director – Richard Flude contacted the Association to see if they could offer any further assistance. Bob Jarrett, bssa’s Professional Services Director, advised Richard to contract Hampshire bases Utility Cost Control Limited (UCC), with whom the Association have negotiated preferential consultancy rates for members. Richard contacted UCC and provided details of the 14 supplies that cover their 8 sites. Within 4 days UCC had tendered the market and secured offers that cut the initial increase down to just under 57%. Their proposals were accepted and the contracts signed on 4^th December. Later the same month UCC assisted Fludes Carpets with the negotiation of the gas supply contract covering 2 of their sites and further savings were achieved.
New Package of Measures for SMEs
Earlier this week, 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.
Daily Telegraph
Daily Telegraph pick up on bssa call for interest rates to be passed on to SMEs. Click here for further details
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.
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.
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.
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.