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150 UK small business grants you could apply for right now

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If you need some funding for your small business, website smallbusiness.co.uk has produced a list of grants you could apply for, wherever you're based in the UK.
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Annual shop price inflation remained at 0.2% in July, according to the BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index, the lowest rate since October 2021. Non-food prices remained in deflation, with an annual... Read more…

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Two men have been handed suspended sentences after stealing thousands of pounds from small businesses during a card-machine scam.
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Swansea shop stops selling luxury items as thefts rise

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Tying down products and stopping selling high-end items are among the measures one shop owner has taken amid a rise in shoplifting.
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The Ice Cream of the Crop on Merseyside wins two more awards

5 Aug 2024

A family-run business that "people come from everywhere" to visit has won two awards. John Hughes is the proud owner of West Kirby's Ice Cream Shop which specialises in creating every... Read more…

Small shop owners reject government’s Work from Home policy, warning they may lose 60% of customers

5 Aug 2024

Workers' rights plans guaranteeing the right to flexible working whenever feasible has led to small shop owners voicing strong concerns about its potential impact on their businesses.
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Pudsey shop gets into festive spirit early to support people on their ow

22 Jul 2024

It may only be July – but a shop in Pudsey is getting into the Christmas spirit by announcing festive plans to support people who will be by themselves.
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New campaign encourages people to support independent businesses in Midsomer Norton

22 Jul 2024

A ‘Shop, Dine and Visit Local’ campaign has been launched in Midsomer Norton with backing from businesses and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
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Barrowford shop owner gift wraps to raise money for cancer charity.

22 Jul 2024

Andrea Pinder, owner of the Presentations Cards and Gifts shop in Barrowford, North East of Blackburn in the Pendle district of Lancashire,  has raised £1,000 for the Rosemere... Read more…

King’s speech includes proposed bills to reform retail industry

22 Jul 2024

The King’s Speech in Parliament last week, which outlined 40 draft laws that the government is aiming to pass in the coming parliamentary session, included some that will directly affect... Read more…

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Small shop owners reject government’s Work from Home policy, warning they may lose 60% of customers

Posted on in Business News

Workers' rights plans guaranteeing the right to flexible working whenever feasible has led to small shop owners voicing strong concerns about its potential impact on their businesses.

WFH

The proposed legislation intends to make flexible working the default for all workers from their first day, except where it is not reasonably feasible. The bill also seeks to ban zero-hour contracts, protect employees from wrongful termination, and ensure prompt access to parental and sick leave.

Despite the progressive intent behind the policy, independent small businesses in Scotland and England are warning that such changes could be disastrous. They predict a potential 60% decline in foot traffic, echoing the challenges faced during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Newcastle's main street businesses have been particularly vocal, forecasting significant drops in revenue if office workers shift to remote work.

"It is not a good idea at all," said George Koumpanakis, an employee at Acropolis, a Greek restaurant inside Grainger Market, told the International Business Times. Mr Koumpanakis highlighted that their business heavily relies on office workers visiting during lunch breaks. He fears they will "probably lose around 60% of business" if the policy is implemented.

He pointed out that the market thrives on the daily influx of office workers. "When people come into work, they might buy a coffee from the market and come here for lunch, but they are not going to be doing that if they're allowed to stay in the house from their first day."

Joss Elder, co-owner of King Baby Bagels, echoed Mr Koumpanakis' sentiments. His business also depends on the lunchtime crowd from local offices. "We rely on customers who work in town," Elder said. "In the past, when things have changed, we've tried not to stress, but this time, we will have to adapt."

To mitigate potential losses, Elder has been using food delivery apps like Deliveroo, JustEat, and UberEats. "If people start working from home more, then hopefully we will see an influx of people using the apps, but we don't know that, so there's a lot of uncertainty," he explained.

While many small business owners are opposed to Starmer's plan, some, like Matthew Lawrence from Firebrick Brewery, are more receptive. "It depends on how many people take up the work-from-home option," said Lawrence, acknowledging that independent retailers will be affected regardless. "We do get some who come here while they're at work. They come and buy cans and vouchers for office tombolas."

Lawrence urged the government to support local businesses during this transition. "I want to see the Government help places like this," he said, suggesting that the Labour government should "bring the 20% VAT on alcohol back down because that is a lot."

The apprehension among small business owners is palpable, as they fear the economic repercussions of a widespread shift to remote work. The policy, while aiming to enhance workers' rights and flexibility, poses a significant challenge for businesses that depend on daily foot traffic from office workers. The concerns raised by shop owners in Newcastle reflect a broader anxiety across the UK, as the nation grapples with balancing progressive workplace policies with the economic realities of local businesses.

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