Business rates reform set to give boost to Greggs, B&M and Halfords

Panmure Liberum have estimated that Greggs will see a six per cent boost to profit before tax

The government’s proposed reform of business next year is set to give a boost to companies with a large number of small stores like Halfords, Curry’s and Dunelm, according to analysts.

Despite significant backlash against the reform from large high street retailers, analysts at Panmure Liberum have suggested the move would, overall, be good for the retail sector.

“Although there is still significant uncertainty around the final design and implementation, our analysis of the proposals as they stand suggests the reforms would be a net positive for the sector,” analysts said.

Business rates are currently calculated by multiplying the Rateable Value (RV) of a property, which broadly represent