David M Robinson takes sideswipe at government as it reports record sales

David M Robinson has released its accounts for the year ending 31 March 2025, with revenue up 3% but operating profit down 3%.

In its accounts, the company was less than complimentary about a number of government positions that it feels are negatively impacting the UK trading environment.

“The continued absence of a reinstated Tax-Free Shopping scheme for international tourists has materially impacted the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for luxury retail, with high-spending visitors increasingly favouring alternative markets,” the company says in its strategic report. “Furthermore, the lack of a coherent, long-term strategy to address business rates and the rise in Employers NI continues to create uncertainty, operational strain and additional cost pressures across the sector.”

Against such headwinds, the growth in turnover to its record ever figure will be seen as a real achievement, especially considering the backdrop of what it describes as “the substantial investment in upgraded showrooms over recent years.”