Independent retailers are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn statement to restore business confidence, warning that uncertainty and rising costs are weighing on the UK high street and risking a slowdown in economic growth. Fresh survey data from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) points to weaker trading in late 2025 and subdued expectations for 2026, with business rates reform emerging as the sector’s top ask. Confidence dips ahead of the autumn statement Bira’s latest ...

Lutz Schüler, Virgin Media 02’s chief executive, has urged the Treasury to rethink its rates - Simon Dawson/Bloomberg Labour’s plans to overhaul business rates have sparked a backlash from the UK’s largest broadband companies, which say the “eye-watering” costs will harm vital infrastructure investment. Lutz Schüler, the chief executive of Virgin Media O2, said telecom groups building crucial mobile and broadband networks will be unintended victims of the Government’s rates plans, which are intended to s ...

Rachel Reeves, pictured at Glasswater Locks, is expected to implement widespread tax rises in her autumn Budget - Jonathan Brady/Reuters The boss of B&Q owner Kingfisher has warned Rachel Reeves that a looming property tax raid will unfairly impact high street stores. Thierry Garnier, the chief executive of Kingfisher, has hit out at the Chancellor’s planned overhaul of business rates over fears it will benefit online sellers at the expense of larger bricks and mortar retailers. He said that plans to ...