Essential business services built around you
Bira are proud to support independent cafe's and eateries up and down the UK through our range of services that come with preferential rates, helping to reduce your business overheads.In the UK, the high street continues to be at the core of local communities. When surveyed by Visa UK, 80% of people say that a thriving high street makes the town they are visiting more appealing. It is also reported that consumers consistently rank coffee shops in the top 2 for the type of shop they see most prevalent on the high street now, and in 10 years time.
Access product offers, lower minimum order quantities and improved buying terms with over 200 suppliers including Stax, Draper Tools, LG Harris and Everbuild. With a one-off account opening through Bira Direct, you'll be able to order from different suppliers without lengthy applications. And when it comes to invoicing, we'll summarise all your orders in one simple invoice. All you need is a Bira membership number.
On average our members can save over £1,500 per year when buying stock through Bira Direct!
Unlimited legal advice is available for Bira members - call or email as many times as you need. By following their advice you'll also be covered by £50,000 indemnity cover should you need it. There's no set up involved, as soon as you've signed up to Bira you can start using the phone and email line to give you extra confidence that you're dealing with legal matters like disciplinaries, grievances and flexible working requests to name a few.
You'll also have access to templates including a Contract of Employment and an Employee Handbook via the online portal.
With rates as low as 0.890% and no authorisation, joining or setup fees, independent businesses will find it hard to beat the preferential Bira rates. While other providers could have lower rates, monthly fees can easily add up to much more over the year so it's important to check all charges including terminal rental fees - with membership you'll have three months free rental if you're new to Global Payments and pay £12.95 +vat per month.
We've negotiated rates that are 30% cheaper than HSBC's standard small business tariff*, with free banking for new HSBC customers and no transaction charges too. Plus, by using the card processing service though Bira too, you'll benefit from next day crediting making it easier to manage your cash flow on a daily basis.
*Non-member cost per annum £1,394, member cost £639. Saving assumes total turnover of £250,000 per annum based on a typical Bira member profile.
We've worked closely with Towergate Insurance, the team behind Bira Insurance, to offer an insurance policy that includes theft cover for stock in the open and cover for theft without evidence of forcible or violent entry/exit. It also includes cyber support guidance all at no additional cost.