Industry updates

Violence against staff is a huge problem for retail. Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show that around 115 workers are attacked daily. Bira has co-signed a letter to the Government alongside other retail groups to persuade them that more needs to be done to prevent violence towards shop staff. We have made the […]

Current Business Issues

Howard Pullen of Howard Pullen Machinery in Loxwood, West Sussex succeeded Surinder Josan of All Seasons DIY, in Smethwick, West Midlands, as Bira National President at the Bira AGM on the 20th June. Howard is the second member of the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA), which is a part of the Bira family, […]

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This year at Exclusively Housewares (11-12th June, Business Design Centre London), ten new Bira Direct suppliers and brands are exhibiting; Captivate Brands, Eurosonic Group Limited, Fackelmann Brands, Fiskars, Daewoo, Hairy Bikers, Prochef, Mary Berry, Royal Doulton and Whitefurze. This is a great opportunity for members to take advantage of the “Exclusively Gift” voucher scheme and to […]

Direct

Figures released by the British Retail Consortium today show a 2.7% slump in retail sales, the biggest dip in 24 years. In response, Andrew Goodacre CEO of the British Independent Retail Association, Bira said: “The disappointing figures reported by the BRC are reflective of the challenging times retail faces as a whole. We saw encouraging […]

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Data released today (28th May) by the Local Data Company and the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) shows that 2018 saw growth in the number of independent stores in shopping centres, with 1,951 new openings leading to a net gain of +87 (+1.1%) compared to a net decline of -88 in 2017 (-1.1%). Independent retailers […]

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Bira members can enjoy extended credit from Dexam when they order through Bira Direct.  Available on all orders placed until Friday 28th June.   All ASAP orders over £300 come with 7.5% discount* All ASAP orders over £500 come with 10% discount* All ASAP orders over £1000 come with 15% discount* *Availalbe on all products […]

Direct

The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, MP (Chair of the Treasury Committee) alongside MPs Steve Baker, Alison McGovern and Clive Betts (Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee) brought the Treasury Committee’s enquiry into business rates to Birmingham today, to speak to a number of independent retailers at the British Independent Retailers Association’s […]

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Ofgem is concerned some microbusinesses are struggling to engage with the market and paying more for their energy than they should. Our evaluation of the impact of the CMA’s price transparency remedy suggests that wider issues remain in the £3.5 billion microbusiness energy market. Ofgem presents its initial analysis on consumer harm and seeks further […]

Press Releases

New legislation paves the way for Knife Crime Prevention Orders   The Offensive Weapons Act has today (Thursday 16 May) received Royal Assent, bringing in tough new measures that strengthen law enforcement’s response to violent crime. The Act will make it illegal to possess dangerous weapons in private, including knuckledusters, zombie knives and death star […]

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On his travels CEO Andrew Goodacre has been inspired by new ideas OVER THE PAST couple of months I have been trying to visit as many members as possible, often at branch meetings, to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by our independent retailer community. Common themes have emerged: diversity, plus innovation to engage […]

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