Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Trouva has unveiled a strategic partnership with real estate adviser Harper Dennis Hobbs (HDH) to help ‘tackle unfair business rates’ for independent retailers.
Trouva is a curated online marketplace for independent homewares specialists which represents over 500 high street shops across the UK.
The partnership offers a full suite of market-leading property services to Trouva’s network of stores. As part of the package, Trouva’s UK shop owners can access bespoke business rates investigation and appeal services which could lead to a reduction in business rates – provided on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
“The partnership also provides Trouva’s full community of shops across the UK and Europe with hands-on lease advisory services to assist with rent reviews, lease renewals and negotiations, as well as enabling them to take advantage of HDH’s advice in sourcing and acquiring new stores.
Trouva co-founder and ceo Mandeep Singh said: “There has never been more uncertainty around the future of our high streets, and at Trouva we’ve long been campaigning for a reduction in business rates so that independent shops don’t continually get punished by this archaic tax. Last April saw business rates rise yet again, meaning one million small businesses saw an unaffordable 3% increase in their rates.
“Although independents are starting to get help of sorts from the government via the Future High Street Fund, as a global platform for independent shopping we see it as our responsibility to also make a practical difference to our community of boutiques – which makes HDH a natural choice for our next strategic partnership.
“Independent stores don’t typically have the resources or budget to access tailored services from these real estate experts, so by offering this service by a trusted partner and in a convenient and cost-efficient manner, we hope our community will benefit greatly.”
HDH executive director David Purslow said: “The high street has gone through considerable pain over the past 12 months with CVAs and retail failures proliferating. Against this backdrop, business rates in London have seen double digit growth, and this coalescing of falling demand and rising costs has hit independent retailers hard.
“This is a major cost for a small independent retailer to cope with, sometimes working out as a 50% increase on top of rent. There is currently temporary relief for small businesses which will help them, but this will still have a big impact on margins.
“HDH’s partnership with Trouva will provide a much-needed boost to these independent retailers. It is a seminal collaboration that is our way of helping to reinvigorate London’s high streets. At HDH we have a strong track record of working with independent retailers, and this experience, coupled with the exciting Trouva platform, will be a breath of fresh air for the high street.”
