Spring Fair backs Fair Rates for Retail campaign

The campaign, which is also led by the BRC, aims to lobby the Government to freeze business rates and save retailers from a £175m bill next year when the rates are set to rise by 2.6% which could stunt their ability to open stores and invest in business.

The new rise will follow increases of £500m over the past two years.

In a poll of almost 1,000 retailers, 72% of those questioned by Spring Fair believe rising business rates are the most serious issue affecting the future survival of UK high streets and town centres.

To rally more support for the campaign Spring Fair, which is visited by more than 200,000 buyers and suppliers, has emailed its retailer database, urging them to sign the petition.

Spring Fair International managing director Louise Young said: “It is clear that the rising costs of business rates, unfairly borne by retailers, are having a terrible effect on the viability of so many retailers – many that are the lifeblood of high streets up and down the country.

“That is why we are proud to back the Fair Rates for Retail campaign and have been actively urging our retail visitors to sign this vital petition to make their voice heard.”

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “It’s great to see support growing for this crucial campaign and would like to thank Spring Fair International for its support. Imposing a substantial business rates hike for the third year running can only lead to more empty shops on high streets and fewer chances of work, especially for young people.”