Heygates Bookshop

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

📚 1,114 BOOKS.

That’s the EXTRA number of books the average independent bookshop will need to sell every year just to cover rising business rates.

Huge thanks to for hosting us and bringing this story to life so powerfully in their shop, and the on Sunday for covering the issue (link in bio).

New analysis shows the scale of the pressure facing independent bookshops in England:
• Over 400 shops (those not eligible for Small Business Rates Relief) facing average annual increases of £4,563
• Total aggregated business rates burden on bookshops rising by 45.1% by 2029/30 (from £4.14m to over £6m)

On average, this means a bookshop must sell over 1,100 extra book sales every year just to stand still - a major challenge on already tight margins.

This risks reducing investment in shops, community outreach, and high street vibrancy, with bookshop businesses potentially at risk.

We’re calling for:
✔ Permanent business rates relief
✔ Reform of the SBRR cliff edge
✔ Index-linked thresholds
✔ Better Resourcing of the Valuation Office Agency

Independent bookshops are vital to our culture and communities - they deserve business rates that allow them to thrive, not fight to survive.

08/06/2026

Looking through our stock of annuals we came across Bananaman! Do you remember this superhero?

07/06/2026

Whilst walking around London we came across this. What a fantastic idea, and so worth supporting. 🥰

07/06/2026

The stage show of The Hunger Games is amazing - a Sunday afternoon well spent 🥰

06/06/2026

We have a large selection of local authors, and even leaflets about books set in Bognor Regis. Pop in for a look.

05/06/2026

Hello Rat Fans. Who remembers Roland Rat and all his friends?

03/06/2026

Just saying.........

☔️

02/06/2026

If you like a good murder mystery that starts in Arundel Castle but takes you on a rollercoaster of a journey, then this is the book for you. Available in-store priced £10.99

01/06/2026

Support small businesses this SMALL BUSINESS WEEK and help grow your High Street and build communities.council