West London Chambers of Commerce welcomes lower business rates for shops, pubs and leisure, but says staff costs and skills gaps still hit members.

The business group that represents firms in Hammersmith and Fulham has welcomed the Chancellor’s promise of lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, but says its members are still struggling with the cost of employing staff.

West London Chambers of Commerce covers Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow. It sent Fulham Wire its chief executive Alan Rides’s response to the Budget 2026 speech on Wednesday 28 October.

Business rates: “much-needed relief”

The Chamber’s main welcome is for the cut in rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

“We welcome the Chancellor’s recognition of the pressures facing small and medium-sized businesses, particularly the announcement of lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses,” Mr Rides said. “These sectors are vital to West London’s economy, and reducing one of their biggest fixed costs will provide much-needed relief.”

He also backed the help for firms whose bills change at the rates revaluation: “The additional support packages and transitional relief for businesses affected by the rates revaluation are also welcome, helping firms manage costs at a time when many are already operating under significant financial pressure.”

Finance, research and AI

The Chamber says it is encouraged by the Government’s promises on research and development, investment in AI infrastructure and access to finance.

“West London has a thriving community of entrepreneurs and SMEs, and ensuring they can access funding, embrace new technologies and expand into international markets is essential to driving economic growth,” Mr Rides said.

“The real test”

The Chamber’s welcome comes with a warning. Mr Rides said: “However, the real test will be whether these measures translate into tangible benefits for businesses on the ground. Many of our members continue to face rising employment costs, skills shortages and challenges recruiting and retaining staff.”

He named the investment West London still needs: “With Heathrow, major infrastructure projects and international trade at the heart of West London’s economy, we need continued investment in skills, apprenticeships and transport infrastructure to ensure local businesses and communities benefit from future growth.”

“West London Chambers of Commerce will continue to work with businesses and policymakers to ensure that the needs of SMEs remain at the forefront of the Government’s economic agenda. Ultimately, businesses need stability, confidence and the right conditions to invest, create jobs and grow.”

What it means for you

If you run a shop, café, pub, gym or other leisure business in the borough, the Chamber’s reading of the Budget is that your rates bill should come down. The detail of who qualifies and from when is set by the Government, so check the Budget 2026 documents on GOV.UK and your next bill from Hammersmith and Fulham Council before planning around a figure.

The Chamber also runs the West London Business Awards gala in Hammersmith on 20 November, and its own site is at westlondonchambers.org.uk.