Shop owner launches petition to ‘save Bristol’s independents’

A shop that supports and showcases local makers has launched a petition to save Bristol’s non-profit businesses after a key funding support was removed by Bristol City Council.

Known for its sustainable and locally hand-made crafts and textiles, Prior in Quaker’s Friars has provided a space for Bristol’s creatives to sell their work at an affordable price.

But in February, owner Beck Prior found out that the council would be removing its discretionary rate relief.

The relief provided nonprofits and Community Interest Companies in Bristol with a ‘discount’ on business rates.

In February, the council voted to end this relief, meaning businesses will no longer receive it from April 1, 2024.

The decision means non-profit businesses like Prior will be liable for the same business rates as big chains such as Prior’s next door neighbours, Ted Baker and Apple.

The removal of the discretionary rate relief could see Beck’s business rates increase from £6,963.20 to £34,816 per year, which she says is unaffordable.

Non-profit shop, Prior, neighbours Apple and Ted Baker, and could soon be paying the same business rates as them – photo: Mia Vines Booth

Currently in the UK, business rates are charged based on the square metre that a business occupies.

Many independent businesses say this measurement is arbitrary and unfair, disproportionately impacting small businesses by shutting them out of unaffordable bigger premises.

While physical shops are charged £780 a month, for warehouses, this rate is a fraction of the price, at £20 per metre squared.

So Amazon, a huge warehouse-based organisation, will pay considerably less than a local independent business with a physical shop.

For Beck, who moved into the Quakers Friars premises in September 2021, the decision feels like a slap in the face to independent businesses in Bristol who are already struggling after a pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Beck has been in communication with the council since January to ask for more support, and has also contacted the High Street Recovery department.

Other social enterprises in Bristol are also at risk. The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft has relied on the discretionary rate relief, but will have to find other means to raise the money needed to continue running.

Faced with the threat of closure, Beck has now launched a petition urging the council to reinstate the discount to ensure businesses like hers can continue to operate.

Prior has provided access, income, marketing and advice for 150 independent designers and makers, 70 per cent of which live in Bristol – photo: Mia Vines Booth

Beck’s business has won numerous awards over the last few years, and she wants to continue to maintain her values of affordability, sustainability and responsible business without having to put the prices up.

“Local, independent businesses who do not make a profit: whose sole purpose is to support the community, should not have to pay the same Business Rates as profit driven organisations that do very little for Bristol’s economy and import mass made products,” she said.

In June, someone from the business rates team at the council told Beck there was no more available funding for her.

“Bristol City Council is facing many financial challenges and has consulted publicly on a number of proposals to deliver a balanced budget,” they said.

“We’ve invested so much in this place and it feels like it’s just been taken away,” Beck told Bristol24/7.

“We understand that budgets have been cut and decisions need to be made during this challenging time, however we find the decision of the council to be short-sighted.

“The impact of this vote will directly impact Bristol organisations that are uplifting and enriching the local community.”

Bristol24/7 has approached the council for comment.

Main photo: Mia Vines Booth

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• Bristol arts organisation to close ‘due to funding cuts’

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