"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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Independent Retailers Warned Over Music Licensing Costs as Podcast Reveals 70% Savings Alternative
Bira has released a podcast warning shop owners about the complex and often misunderstood world of music licensing
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Rainy Day Trust report ‘outstanding’ stats from recent Mad March Millions campaign
The Rainy Day Trust’s Mad March Million challenge logged an outstanding 2,277,000 steps during March, more than doubling its original one-million-step target in a sector-wide wellbeing campaign.
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Over two thirds of pet owners think independent pet shops are vital, with National Pet Shop Day on horizon
New research has revealed that more than two thirds of pet owners believe independent pet shops are an important part of their community, ahead of National Pet Shop Day on Saturday 11 July.
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WorkNest expands services with cyber security brands joining under one banner
WorkNest, partner of Bira Legal, is expanding its services by bringing cyber security specialists Bulletproof and Pentest People fully into one brand from next month.