"Like many of you, I watched the Chancellor's speech hoping to finally see the transformation we've been promised. Let me be blunt. We have been misled."
"What we got was a masterclass in political spin that masks a harsh reality - most independent retailers will be paying significantly more in business rates next year, not less."
The Budget announcement has inexplicably hit smaller independent retailers with bigger tax bills, while certain large retail businesses have seen reductions. Read the latest update on the Autumn Statement from Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira.
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders. Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.
Click on the topics below to find out our latest activity in each area.
Join to support Bira
You can support our continued efforts by joining our community for just £17/mo and in return you can benefit from a wider range of support and services aimed to help businesses to flourish.
Our Latest News
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London Home Fragrance Show a success as Gift & Lifestyle Consortium showcases number of brands
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium (G&LC), part of the Bira Group, and Bira showcased a range of independent brands at this year's event, which has been hailed as a success.
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84% of Britons can't tell a legal e-bike from an illegal one, as industry launches E-Bike Positive trust mark
New polling reveals the public cannot tell a road-legal e-bike from a non-road-legal one as the ACT, part of the Bira Group, launch the E-Bike Positive trade mark together with the Bicycle Association.
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Bank of England says counterfeit notes rose by over 100% in 2025 but still 'only fraction' of circulation
The number of counterfeit banknotes detected in the UK more than doubled in 2025, rising from 99,000 in 2024 to 200,000, according to new data from Bank of England.
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Government funding boost welcomed by independent retailers
Independent retailers have welcomed government plans to expand access to finance for small businesses, after the Chancellor confirmed a significant scaling up of support through the British Business Bank.