Agents hail 'good budget for independents' despite challenges

Business rate relief, additional investment in the high street and a focus on apprenticeships were focal points of chancellor Philip Hammond’s budget statement on Monday (October 29).

The government has promised a “more competitive tax regime for businesses”, particularly SMEs like travel agencies, which could see up to 90% of all retail properties benefit from business rate relief.

Hammond announced the government would cut bills by a third for premises with a rateable value below £51,000 for two years, starting next April.

A £675m Future High Streets Fund, meanwhile, will provide cash to make high streets and town centres “fit for purpose” and support “sustainable transformation” of Britain’s high streets.

The chancellor also announced a £240 million pot that will halve the co-investment rate for apprenticeship training to just 5%.

Shona Thorne, owner of Thorne Travel, said it was a “very positive budget for independents”. “At the moment, it feels like we’re too focused on the what-ifs of Brexit.

"We need to think about things we can do to grow businesses now. Business rate [relief] make a massive difference, especially for businesses looking to expand. It gives you confidence to plan for the future and not worry about costs.

“More focus on high street investment is vital. When we opened, our high street was finding it difficult to attract customers. Investment was made and now I think only three of more than 40 units are empty. We have a lot of towns that would really benefit from the rejuvenation the government has proposed."

On apprentices, Thorne added: "We’ve had amazing support when it comes to apprentices and have taken on four who are still with us now. I called our local council as soon as I saw the news as we are looking to take on more.”