Cost-cutting help for retailers
Stuff we like for free – the British Retail Consortium has today launched a free booklet to help retail occupiers to cut costs by engaging actively with their landlords.
The Property Management Checklist outlines simple steps that the BRC says every retailer should take in order to make sure they are getting value for money for the property services that they pay for. The list includes advice on rent, service charges and energy use.
Among the things the BRC recommends that retailers do is to ask the landlord for monthly rents when the lease comes up for renewal or at the rent review; to ensure that service charges are compliant with the Service Charge Code of Practice; and to encourage landlords to use meters to monitor energy use separately for each shop.
Elizabeth Hinde, head of property at the BRC, said: “Property bills can account for up to 40% of retailers’ costs. But for many small retailers this figure could be even higher with property being their biggest expense.”
“In these tough times, it’s essential for retailers and their landlords to make savings where possible – otherwise the spectre of boarded-up shops will continue to blight our high streets.”
