Loss of tax-free shopping costing the UK £4.1bn, say London bosses July 26, 2023 Scrapping the tourist tax could generate £4.1bn annually for the UK economy, new research suggests, as a cluster of prominent business owners call for the government to reinstate VAT shopping for international tourists. Rishi Sunak scrapped the tax which saw international shoppers able to claim 20 per cent back with their purchases. It was largely [...]
Why are some of London’s wealthiest business owners protesting? November 1, 2023 Some of London’s most high profile retailers and business owners took to the streets of luxury shopping district Savile Row this morning.
Heathrow narrows losses, but claims hit from strikes and CAA price-cap April 26, 2023 Heathrow Airport narrowed its losses this quarter, but said results were impacted by the CAA’s price cap, as well as ongoing strike action. The airport posted adjusted pre-tax losses of £139m, down from £223m the previous year, writing that this was due to the “the revenue allowance in the CAA’s H7 settlement being set too [...]
Britain’s oldest Casino rolls dice for last time as high end tourists ditch London October 26, 2023 The president of Genting Casinos UK told the outlet that there is a “combination” of factors which have put high-end London casinos at a competitive disadvantage to other global marketplaces.
Tourism tax: Heathrow sees rise in Chinese visitors — but they are not splashing the cash October 2, 2023 Chinese visitors have returned to numbers close to those before the pandemic — but they are not spending like they used to. Heathrow has reported that Chinese visitor numbers were at 88 per cent of 2019 levels in July, but the airport said their spending at its shops was only 33 per cent of what [...]
Oxford Street revival to ‘peak’ next year as West End recovers from candy store scourge December 12, 2023 Sam Foyle, director of retail at Savills said that everyone has been looking at the street “really positively” and there are currently 15 deals from businesses under offer at the moment.
Chancellor ‘misses a trick’ by not re-introducing tax-free shopping for overseas tourists November 17, 2022 West End business leaders have slammed the Chancellor for not changing his mind on an introduction of VAT free shopping for overseas tourists. Despite calls from luxury retailers this month, Jeremy Hunt made no mention of the prospect of introducing tax-free shopping for overseas visitors making trips to London’s shopping heartlands. Last month, Hunt announced [...]
Oxford Street retailers call for ‘comprehensive’ reform to business rates June 10, 2024 A business group that represents dozens of major retailers on London’s Oxford Street has called for a “comprehensive” reform to business rates to boost Britain's high streets.
Burberry shares crater after luxury goods profit warning January 12, 2024 Burberry now expects adjusted operating profit for the financial year ended 30 March 2024 to be in the range of £410m to £460m.
Five common sense things for the ‘common sense’ minister November 14, 2023 As Esther McVey assumes the role of 'minister for common sense', we look at five pressing issues for her in-tray.