Waterstones boss defends government’s business rates shake-up

James Daunt is relaxed about bills and the higher living wage, and says bookselling is having ‘a nice time’The boss of Waterstones has defended the government’s approach to the high street, arguing that controversial changes to business rates were “sensible” and had benefited outlets in struggling areas.James Daunt said the bookseller’s total business rates bill for this year was going to be similar to last year’s as big increases at large, successful si