Knightsbridge Partnership, Heathrow, New West End Company and Cadogan are leading a national campaign to restore tax-free shopping in the UK in a way that reflects the priorities of the current Government and the wider visitor economy.
Through our partnership ways of working, King’s Road Partnership members are being included in the campaign process to ensure the interests of the district are represented.
It has now been five years since the UK lost parity with other international shopping destinations. While visitor numbers have largely recovered, spending has not kept pace. Non-EU visitor spend remains at just 75% of 2019 levels, compared with 166% in Spain, 159% in France and 137% in Italy.
The new Government is seeking credible, evidence-based policies that deliver visible growth and job creation. This presents a vital opportunity to develop a forward-looking proposal that restores the UK’s competitiveness in the global visitor market.
Rather than calling for the reinstatement of the previous tax-free system, the campaign is focused on developing a modern, fair and digital alternative that strengthens the UK’s position in international shopping and tourism. This approach supports growth across the visitor economy and helps London and regional destinations remain world-leading.
Working with partners across retail, hospitality, culture, transport and manufacturing, the campaign is exploring all credible options, from reforming existing mechanisms to introducing new models. The shared goal is to move the debate from “bring it back” to “build it better”.
Over the coming months, independent economic modelling will be commissioned to test alternative options. A credible, modern solution – built in partnership with Government and industry – could unlock billions in visitor spend and new tax revenue, sustain jobs across retail, hospitality, culture, transport and manufacturing and strengthen “Brand Britain” internationally.
FIND OUT MORE
Missed the VAT Free Shopping Campaign Update webinar? View the webinar recording and presentation slides in our Members Area here.
If you have any further questions about the campaign, or want to organise a one-on-one briefing, please email Katie Blake, Marketing and Communications Director at katie@knightsbridgepartnership.com
