The number of charity shops soars in West Midlands – sparking fears for small independent businesses

Posted on: July 20, 2018

Originally posted by Birmingham Live: www.birminghammail.co.uk


The number of charity shops is soaring in the West Midlands – sparking fears small independent businesses are disappearing from the high street.

An exclusive analysis of figures from NOMIS shows that in 2017 there were 375 charity shops in the metropolitan area, 39 per cent more compared to the 270 registered in 2010.

Solihull saw the biggest increase locally – charity shops went up by 75 per cent in seven years from 20 to 35.

Birmingham followed with an increase of 61 per cent from 90 to 145 while the number of charity shops in Walsall has increased by 50 per cent from 20 to 30.

Across the UK, charity shops have soared by a third, or 32 per cent, from 8,550 to 11,260.

According to chartered accountants Kreston Reeves, which ran a charity shops survey in 2016, “charity shops generally perform best during a recession”.

As their report says, “the Brexit vote is a bright spot on the horizon for charity shops as many commentators believe it may return the country to recession.”

Charity shops pay only 20 per cent of the standard business rates which makes it easier for them to take over premises that might otherwise stay empty.

Commenting on the national trend, a Charity Retail Association spokesperson said: “The success in raising charity shop numbers is down to many factors.

“It is an environmentally-friendly way to shop and the public is always keen for a bargain.

“Our research shows that the amount of charity shops in one particular area is not linked to deprivation.

“The UK public is always generous when it comes to raising money for charity and we see no sign of that declining.”

 

Author: Steering Member
Posted:
Categories: News

Related Posts

Compassionate Businesses Network – Northeast Essex

When: Wednesday 23rd April: 8:30am – 10:30am Location: Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, University of Essex After a sell-out at our launch event in Feb, the Compassionate Businesses Network is thrilled to invite you to this next space for inspiring leadership, purposeful networking, and community-driven ideas. Join fellow forward-thinking professionals from across North East Essex to connect, collaborate and
Read more…

Read more...

Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) place-based support work

We are pleased to share some information about the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) place-based support work that Active Essex are leading on behalf of the Essex County Council Strengthening Communities Team. This work will be identifying what success looks like for the VCS at place, recognising the ambitions of local VCS organisations, the expertise
Read more…

Read more...

Less than one week to respond to the UK Government’s consultation on the proposed formation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

There is now less than one week remaining to respond to the UK Government’s consultation on the proposed formation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock. While the proposed devolution deal could bring significant benefits such as greater local control over funding and decision-making in areas like skills, transport, and business
Read more…

Read more...