Andrew Goodacre comments as we approach the general election

Bira issues urgent plea to political parties - put independent retail at heart of election manifestos

This week we finally go to the polls on Thursday 4^th July to choose a new government. It has been a long campaign. From Bira's perspective, our priorities for the new government do not change, irrespective of who wins. 

We simply want a government that truly believes in the value of the high street and independent retailers. Whoever wins has to deliver:

1. Lower business rates for the smaller retailers
2. Review of corporate tax encouraging more investment by smaller businesses
3. Continued investment in local high streets, removing barriers such as the availability and cost of parking
4. A focus on retail crime to reduce the damage to retail businesses
5. A review of the cycle to work scheme so that retailers also see some benefit and not just the scheme providers
6. A co-ordinated plan to reduce wastage in the retail sector
7. A review of regulations so that smaller retailers are not disproportionately affected

There are many more issues to be discussed and our work in BIRA will begin on the 5th July. 

Read more about our policies and beliefs in the Bira Manifesto.