News

Data released today by the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) and the Local Data Company (LDC) shows that independent retailers opened significantly more shops in H1 2018 than in the same period last year. However, a record number of stores were closed over the same period. This resulted in a total decline of -1,554 shops (-0.5%) – a significant […]

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Ahead of the rolling out of Making Tax Digital for VAT in April 2019, HM Revenue and Customs has started writing to select businesses eligible to join the Making Tax Digital for VAT pilot The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has revealed that an initial 20,000 letters have been distributed to firms eligible to join […]

Industry News

At bira direct, adding value to our members is the reason we exist. Once you’re a member we strive to support your business throughout your membership. Right now, we’ve got a big focus on helping you drive more people to your shop with our Footfall drivers campaign and this will continue to be a focus […]

Direct
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Chancellor Philip Hammond used his Budget 2018 speech to offer clarity to the UK’s army of small businesses regarding the upcoming implementation of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT returns. From 1st April 2019, small businesses with a taxable turnover exceeding the VAT registration threshold will be required to file digital VAT records via MTD-compatible […]

Industry News

Renowned cabaret destination, Café de Paris, was the spectacular venue for the 10th edition of Stars: Underlines Best Shop Awards. 300 guests from the intimate apparel, swimwear and legwear industries met for a star-studded evening, sponsored by LYCRA® fibre, celebrating 60 years in 2018 and hosted by leading b2b publication, Underlines Magazine. The 2018 event […]

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A star is born in the Horwood constellation: a rip roaring, new website Horwood are thrilled to announce the launch of their new transactional website! This is part of an exciting line-up of changes running through the company recently: in the past few months they’ve opened the doors to the new showroom at HQ in […]

Direct

bira direct are delighted to see the new commitment JEGS/Qualtex are offering bira members. Jeff Moody, Managing Director of bira direct announces: “With immediate effect, all retailers purchasing from JEGS/Qualtex through bira direct are awarded JEGS/Qualtex GOLD Membership.  A level of increased customer service, which is usually offered only to those who regularly purchase a high volume […]

Direct

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has been carrying out spot checks on employers across the UK to make sure they are complying with their workplace pensions duties. Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme (AE) audits are giving employers confidence that their processes and procedures comply with this complex legislation and is helping them avoid fines. Executive Director of Automatic […]

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Churchill China are always looking to help independent retailers in many ways. They supply a great range of products from Bone china and Fine china mugs to dinner sets and gift lines and constantly updating their ranges. They also recognise that the independent retailer is a key customer and want to continue to innovate with […]

Direct

bira’s membership magazine, as well as the membership newsletter came away with silvers at the annual Association Excellence Awards, held at the Kia Oval in Kennington, London on Friday 12 October. Some of the team behind the magazine and newsletter attended the event and were delighted to celebrate the honours after picking up the two silver […]

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