Spring Fair has welcomed business rates measures announced in the Autumn Budget, while calling for further action to bring shoppers back to Britain’s high streets and support independent retailers, including greetings card shops
The Government’s plans include raising the Small Business Rates Relief threshold for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England from £12,000 to £18,000 from April 2027. An estimated 70,000 additional businesses are expected to pay no business rates as a result of the changes, while eligible businesses will also benefit from a two-year real-terms freeze on business rates bills.
Jackson Szabo, portfolio director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, said the measures were a positive step for independent retailers, many of whom face rising employment costs and pressure on margins. However, he stressed that reducing operating costs alone would not secure the future of the high street.
Reducing the cost of trading is only part of the solution. Retailers also need customers coming through their doors
Jackson Szabo, portfolio director of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair
Research from The Voices of Retail 2026, produced by Spring Fair and Autumn Fair in partnership with Faire, found that 96% of consumers believe independent retailers are important. However, 63% said free parking would encourage them to visit their local high street more often. Among retailers surveyed, 38% identified free parking as the intervention most likely to benefit their business, compared with 34% who cited business rates relief.
The findings highlight the importance of accessibility and footfall for independent retailers, including specialist greetings card shops that rely on customers visiting town centres to browse new designs and find cards for different occasions.
Spring Fair and Autumn Fair are campaigning for a minimum of 90 minutes’ free parking in town and city centres across England through a parliamentary petition. The organisers say the proposal could encourage more visits and give shoppers greater opportunities to explore local businesses.
Szabo added that consumers continue to value distinctive products and the personal service offered by independent retailers, but that support must translate into visits and sales.
Spring Fair will return to the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 February 2027, bringing together retailers and suppliers across gifts, greetings, home and lifestyle.
