High street crisis deepens as historic Falmouth retailer enters consultation over closure

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Another day and another sad loss to the high street. I was recently in Falmouth and visited this shop, thinking how great it was that it was still trading. Unfortunately it seems that it now looks like closing. This is a blow for Falmouth and the wider region.

"It is also another sign that the high street business model for smaller retailers is under severe pressure and the government is standing by and allowing high streets to decline. Pre-election we were promised a fairer rates system and lower rates - since taking power rates have more than doubled for independents, and more increases set to be announced. The costs of running a business keep increasing, whilst consumer spending remains flat - a toxic mix for any business.

"How many more business failures are needed before the Chancellor realises that business rates for smaller business must be scrapped, that the low value import duty free loophole must be closed and energy costs must be reduced for all businesses and not just the so-called super users?

"Retail does not figure in the current industrial strategy. The small business strategy had little recognition of indie retail, and the Small Business Minister does not even have retail in his remit. Indie retailers feel that they are being cut adrift and left to manage decline. That is unacceptable."