smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A promising venture

Previously, we’ve looked at the reasons why many describe the...
Have your say »

RSS

No longer a nation of shopkeepers

Sep 09 2010

London has a 10 per cent rate of shop vacancy

A regional divide in shop vacancy levels has exposed the weak state of retail markets in the north.

The Local Data Company’s latest shop vacancy rates, based on a survey of more than 149,000 shop premises, finds just three southern cities in the top 25 list of highest vacancies nationwide (Watford, Bristol and Reading).

Top of the table is Blackpool with a 28 per cent vacancy rate, whereas the average vacancy rate in London is around 10 per cent.

The national average vacancy rose at the end of 2009 from 12 per cent to 13 per cent in August 2010.

Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, says: ‘It is encouraging to see high streets recovering in the south, but that glimmer of positive news does not hide the fact that retail markets elsewhere are struggling, and that consumer confidence is still fragile.’

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Barclays Business Start Up Account

Get everything you'd expect from a Barclays Business account…Free business banking for up to 2 years (Ts&Cs apply). Free day-to-day support from our Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and Mobile Banking, manage your account quickly and easily from a web-enabled phone. Apply online.

Bupa for Businesses

We understand that all businesses are different. To help you choose the right healthcare package for you and your employees, call us today on 08457 66 11 15 or alternatively find out more here.

Regional Buyers. Regional Suppliers. National Products & Services.

On Thursday 8th March 2012, come down to Newcastle Racecourse to learn more about how technology can impact your business in a positive way. We're focusing on the topics that YOU want, and we're getting the BEST companies to teach you about them. Find out more here.

Polls

Latest News

Osborne was guest speaker at the FSB annual dinner

FSB demands more from government

The head of the Federation of Small Businesses has said that the government's ‘tentative steps’ to helping enterprise need to become a ‘giant leap'.

British leaders more upbeat than Europeans

UK CEOs are more optimistic about their companies’ fortunes than their European counterparts, finds research.

Cameron launches entrepreneurship campaign

Prime minister David Cameron has launched a major initiative in an attempt to boost entrepreneurship in the UK.

Education must encourage business, says Forum

Schools must take a leading role in boosting the number of youngsters who grow up to become successful entrepreneurs, says the Forum of Private Business.

‘We are out of the recession,’ says Jones

Serial entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Peter Jones believes UK businesses have seen the worst of the economic crash.

SMEs look to the government for help

Almost nine in ten businesses believe the government must do more to encourage business growth, research finds.

Small businesses expect growth in 2012

More than eight out of ten small company owners believe they will grow their enterprise over the next 12 months, research finds.

Inflation set to ease

Easing inflationary pressures may help prevent the UK from falling back into recession despite lowered revenue expectations, research finds.

SME flexibility vital for recovery

Lean, agile small businesses and consumer confidence are the keys to economic revival, says a prominent entrepreneur.

Businesses lack faith in government

Six out of ten UK companies do not believe the government is providing the right support for economic growth.

London businesses down on prospects

Only 13 per cent of London businesses feel optimistic about prospects for the economy over the next six months, compared with 43 per cent in June.

Guides & Tips

How to write your business plan

A business plan is not only essential for starting a business or for raising funds, but it is vital for running the business.

SmallBusiness StartUp Britain

In light of the government’s push for private sector growth through the encouragement of start-ups, there is more awareness than ever of the need for new businesses to draw on every resource available to bolster enterprise.

There are ways to ensure your company can nip tardy payment in the bud

Keep credit under control

Take command of your cash flow by ensuring you don't fall victim to late payment.

Don't Miss

The real deal

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to software developer Paul Fisher who in 2010 founded Buyometric, which aggregates deals from savings websites.

Caan believes now is a great time to start a business

James Caan review: The FT Guide to Business Startup

Serial investor and entrepreneur James Caan reviews Sara Williams' guide for entrepreneurs.

Zest Mixology is a mobile bar/ cocktail service

In the mix

National mobile bar/cocktail service Zest Mixology started trading in January this year and expects to turn over £145,000 in its opening 12 months. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Murdo McLeod.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.