Chris Ellis is the great-great-grandson of the founder of Dipples Jewellers which has outlets in Norwich, Dereham and Bury St Edmunds - and hopes help will be at hand in next week's Budget.

Since the Autumn Budget of 2024, rising import duties and shipping costs have affected his margins on diamonds and gemstones which he sources internationally.

Dipples Jewellers in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Dipples Jewellers)

"A review of import duties and VAT on luxury goods would help independent jewellers remain competitive against larger chains and online platforms," he says.

He also wants to see measures to encourage high street footfall, such as parking incentives or local regeneration funding to benefit his three of stores and the wider retail community.

However, he is thankful for a freeze on business rates in the last Budget - which helped ease pressure across his three stores - and feels it was especially important for central heritage buildings with high rateable values.

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