A few of the forthcoming news items: From the Bookseller -  UK: Bookshops campaign for same business rate relief as pubs Bookshops are asking to be given the same business-rate relief as pubs, arguing they help to drive social cohesion in a similar way to drinking establishments. In the March 2017 budget, pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000 were offered £1,000 off their rate bill, with the relief recently extended by a year to 2019. At the time, the government estimated the measure would help 90% of British pubs, which are closing at a rate of 18 a week, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). Read more The next edition of Sheppard's Confidential - with all the news and more will appear on Friday.