The Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) is a group of 20 trade associations, each representing different sectors within the UK’s Independent Retail industry.
  • In this regular quarterly survey, we are asking members to give us their top-level view of the trading environment.
  • The survey questions are designed to be easy and quick to answer.
  • The data obtained is strictly confidential and will be used to help shape our representation of the independent sector and the discussions we have with government representatives, local authorities and other industry stakeholders.
  • The results of this survey may also be communicated to members at a later stage.
Please note the survey refers to calendar year quarters (e.g. Q3 = July to September).

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* 1. How did your Q3 2024 (July to September) trading compare to the previous quarter (Q2 2024 - April to June)?

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* 2. Please share anything you would like to say about Q3 2024 (July to September) compared to the previous quarter (Q2 2024 - April to June)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:

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* 3. How did your Q3 2024 (July to September) trading compare to the same period last year (Q3 2023 - July to September)?

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* 4. Please share anything you would like to say about Q3 2024 (July to September) compared to the same period last year (Q3 2023 - July to September)
e.g. why sales were down, up or the same:

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* 5. How confident are you about business in Q4 2024 (October to December)?

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* 6. Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question? (Question 5):

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* 7. How confident are you about business in 2025?

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* 8. Is there anything you wish to tell us about your answer to the confidence question? (Question 7):

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* 9. Thinking about the budget announcements relating to National Insurance, National Minimum Wage and Business Rates Relief, please score how comfortable they will be for your business to accommodate.

  Very difficult Quite difficult Neutral Quite easy Very easy Don't yet know
Employers National Insurance contributions
National Minimum Wage increase
Business Rates Relief

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* 10. Please expand on your answers to question 9

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* 11. As a result of these budget announcements are you making any changes to your business plans? For example are you starting or stopping doing something?

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* 12. To help us build a geographical picture of the data, please enter your main business postcode

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* 13. Would you be happy to be contacted for a quote or to be used as a case study?

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* 14. If yes, please leave your contact details below

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