Scottish Budget falls short for independent retailers, warns ACT parent company Bira
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Independent retailers across Scotland have been left disappointed by the Scottish Budget, with Bira warning that the measures announced fall short of what is needed to protect high streets from further decline.
This includes independent cycling retailers, many of whom operate from high-street premises and are facing the same cost pressures as other specialist shops, while also navigating seasonal trading patterns and increasing competition from online-only sellers.
Bira said the Budget missed a crucial opportunity to deliver meaningful business rates reform at a time when many small retailers are already under severe financial pressure.
The Scottish Government yesterday confirmed a reduction in the basic property rate to 48.1p, the intermediate property rate to 53.3p and the higher property rate to 54.8p. It also announced a 15 per cent relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value of up to £100,000, capped at £110,000 per business per year, for 2026 to 27.
Further measures include transitional relief to cap increases in non domestic rates bills following revaluation, the continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme at current thresholds for the next three years, and a new 100 per cent relief for eligible electric vehicle charging points from April 2026.
For independent bike shops, which often combine retail with workshop services, rising property costs and limited relief can have a disproportionate impact on already tight margins.
However, Bira said these measures do not go far enough to address the reality facing independent retailers.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: Whilst we welcome some new support for high street businesses, this Budget was a missed opportunity to take bolder action to revitalise Scotland’s high streets. Business rates are rising following revaluation, and a 15 per cent discount does not reflect the scale of the challenges facing independent retailers. The Scottish Government could have gone further while still maintaining overall income.
“Independent retailers are dealing with weak consumer confidence, rising labour costs, higher property costs and intense competition from online retailers and low value imports. Many high streets are already on a knife edge.
“Without stronger support, we risk losing the legitimate independent businesses that keep our town centres alive and support local jobs and communities. Bira will continue to press for fairer, long term business rates reform so independent retailers can survive and thrive."