07 September 2026
A leading independent retailers association has issued a fresh warning to the Chancellor over business rates.
The trade body's comments come as TG Jones, formerly WHSmith, closes 19 stores this month as part of a wider plan to shut 150 of its 450 shops. The news comes 18 months after the stores were sold to Modella Capital and rebranded, a move Bira had greeted with cautious optimism.
Bira said the closures were a reminder that even well-funded new ownership cannot overcome the wider cost pressures facing high street retail.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This announcement is a stark reminder to the Chancellor that he has to be bold in his support for high street businesses in his budget. The business cost of trading on the high street is too high. The Chancellor has to correct the mistakes made at last year's budget and reduce the business rates burden for the smaller shops.
"It's not just shops that are being lost. TG Jones stores nationwide have long hosted Post Office counters, and dozens of these are now at risk as part of the wider restructuring. For many communities, that risks losing not just a retailer but an essential service too."
The Bath store has already closed, with further closures due in Redcar, Redhill and Market Harborough this week, and more following throughout September in towns including Cambridge, Swindon, Basildon and Southend-on-Sea. A further closure in Maldon, Essex, is due in October.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Image credit: Ton Photographer4289/stock.adobe.com
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