Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Calls to oppose business rate surtax on Scottish grocery stores

Calls to oppose business rate surtax on Scottish grocery stores
Photo: iStock
Getty Images

Retail trade union Usdaw has added its voice to those calling on Scottish Ministers to reject plans for a business rate surtax on grocery stores.

In its Budget 2024-25 published in late December the Scottish Government stated it would ‘explore’ the introduction of a new business rate surtax on grocery stores in advance of the next Scottish Budget, to help plug a gap in the devolved administration’s finances.

The Scottish Retail Consortium has already voiced deep disquiet over the plans for a new tax on retailers.

Tracy Gilbert - Usdaw Regional Secretary for Scotland said,“The Scottish Government should be making it as easy as possible for retailers to invest and create good jobs in Scotland, not making it more difficult with the threat of a costly new business rate surtax. This arbitrary move could exacerbate the challenges facing retail. It could well have significant unintended consequences particularly if it impacted on the amount available to retailers’ to invest in training budgets or colleague bonuses.”

David Lonsdale - Scottish Retail Consortium’s Director, added,“Usdaw’s intervention shows that a growing range of voices from across Scotland’s retail industry are expressing serious doubts about the wisdom of introducing a new tax on food retailers.

“A new surtax would be a retrograde step and firmly at odds with the Government’s New Deal for Business. Grocers already face a swathe of upcoming new regulations and have also been lumbered with huge costs as a result of the deposit return scheme farrago. Now they face an additional tax which even the Scottish Government admits is little more than a cash grab. We hope Scottish Ministers take heed and shelve the surtax.”

More for you

​Kash Retail donates £1,000 through Nisa’s charity to support Darlington Pride Festival

Kash Retail donates £1,000 through Nisa’s charity.

NISA

KASH Retail joins forces with Nisa charity to support Darlington Pride Festival

KASH Retail, operator of Nisa Local Fenby Avenue in Darlington, has generously donated £1,000 through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) Pride Pot to support this year’s Darlington Pride Festival.

The donation, inspired by store team member Gavin Morrison, who performs as drag queen Georgina Sparks, will provide a valuable boost to the event, helping organisers deliver an inclusive and vibrant celebration for the local community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spanish fine food importer Mevalco supports MAZI Project charity

Spanish fine food importer Mevalco supports MAZI Project charity

Mevalco, the Bristol-based Spanish distributor which includes some of the UK’s most talented high-profile chefs and fine dining establishments amongst its customers, has announced a collaboration with The MAZI Project – the Bristol youth-led charity, which was founded in 2019 and nourishes vulnerable 16–25-year-olds through food.

The MAZI Project supports care leavers, and young asylum seekers, as well as young people recovering from homelessness or who may be fleeing domestic violence. Not only does The MAZI Project educate the next generation in food culture and health, but it empowers young people by helping them learn the trade and find job opportunities within the catering industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Privately SA's AgeAI solution Prevents Underage Vaping

Privately SA's AgeAI solution

Privately SA

Efficient AI tool deter underage vape buyers, avoids customer conflict

Deployment of an AI-enabled age identifying tool can prevent underage vaping to a great extent thus avoiding conflicting situations as well, a recent report has shown, highlighting the scale of minors vaping in the UK and the role of that such solutions can play to deter underage sales in a busy store.

According to new data from Privately SA, the deployments of AgeAI solution in UK vape stores prevent on average eight minor customers per store per day from purchasing vapes.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Booker launches new delivery app Scoot

Booker launches new delivery app Scoot

Booker

Booker's new delivery app for symbol retailers to deliver in 30 minutes

Booker has launched a brand-new ordering platform exclusively for its symbol group retailers to help them deliver local groceries to their customers’ doors, in as little as 30 minutes.

The new ordering platform, Scoot, connects shoppers with their local participating independent retailer enabling them to order food, drinks and household essentials from a curated list of products chosen by the retailer.

Keep ReadingShow less
NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme

NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme

NewstrAid’s Retailer Support Scheme gives 100+ grants in just seven months

Industry charity NewstrAid has announced a major milestone, awarding over 100 grants to retailers in need since the launch of its Retailer Support Scheme in May 2024.

Designed to provide financial, emotional, and practical support, the scheme has already paid out around £50,000 to retailers facing ill health, family crises, bereavement, and retail crime, helping them navigate unexpected hardships.

Keep ReadingShow less