Welcome to the Newsletter from Beatons Group
Business rates anxiety has reached a record high, according to a survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The business group has called on the government to reassess its plans for business rates to help ease concerns.
Anxiety over business rates hits record high
A poll carried out by the BCC has revealed that business rates anxiety has hit a record high, with 34% of firms worried about their rates.
This represents the highest level recorded since 2017.
Before the 2025 Autumn Budget, 23% of firms stated that they were planning to adjust prices as a result of rising business rates.
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights at the BCC, said: 'The Chancellor recognised in the Autumn Budget that the current system for business rates is broken and holding back growth. But it is becoming increasingly clear that the changes she set out are not balanced and leave some sectors over-exposed.
'While news of a carve out for pubs is welcome, there are many other smaller hospitality companies facing an existential threat. Meanwhile at the other end of the scale, airports and hotel chains are expected to pay millions more.'
The BCC has called on the government to rethink its plans for business rates to help ease anxiety.
IN THE NEWS
HMRC app sees 65% rise in self assessment payments
HMRC is reminding taxpayers due to submit their self assessment tax returns that there are many different payment options ahead of the 31 January deadline.
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Cost hikes denting small business confidence
Small businesses are facing a tough start to 2026 as confidence slumps in the face of cost hikes, research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown.
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Employment Rights Act 'will deliver £10 billion in benefits'
The Employment Rights Act will help to deliver an estimated £10 billion boost to the UK economy, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has stated.
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Trading with EU getting harder, firms say
A survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found that 54% of exporters in the UK think the UK-EU trade deal is adversely affecting their sales.
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Public told to be wary of 'spoofing' scams
Bank TSB has warned the public to be wary of so-called 'spoofing' scams during 'scam season'.
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ESSENTIAL TAX DATES FOR FEBRUARY
2 February
Deadline for submitting P46(Car) for employees whose car/fuel benefits changed during the quarter to 5 January 2026.
19 February
PAYE, Student loan and CIS deductions are due for the month to 5 February 2026.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
'The reality of the Chancellor's statement, when it came, was no significant new taxes for firms, but a lack of game changing measures to properly kickstart the economy.'
Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the BCC, commenting on official data that showed that the UK economy grew by 0.3% in November 2025.
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