09 September 2025
A leading retailers association for independents has said the government's major ministerial reshuffle must bring fresh perspectives to critical policy areas that are hitting small businesses hard.
Bira is urging new government appointees to prioritise business rates reform and reconsider employment legislation following the Prime Minister's shake-up of his top team.
michael/stock.adobe.com
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "As the dust settles on all the ministerial changes, we hope that we do not lose momentum as new ministers become acquainted with their new roles. We would also like to see some new thinking from the new ministers with regards to business rates reform and the employment rights bill.
"Despite Treasury declaring the introduction of permanently lower multipliers for business rates, many thousands of independent retailers will be paying more business rates next year. The Employee Rights Bill has many changes that will make it harder and more expensive to employ people, with a disproportionate impact on smaller businesses. These are two key policy areas that require fresh thinking, and hopefully the changes in government personnel will take up the challenge."
Mr Goodacre highlighted that whilst the government has announced lower business rates multipliers, the reality for many of Bira's members is that they will still face increased costs in the coming year, creating additional financial pressures on already stretched independent retailers.
The appointment of Jason Stockwood, vice-chairman of Grimsby Town football club and successful businessman, to the Department for Business and Trade has been welcomed by the sector as bringing valuable private sector experience to government. However, Bira emphasises that this new expertise must be channelled into addressing the fundamental challenges facing Britain's independent retail sector.
Bira campaigns on critical issues including retail crime, business rates, and legislation that affects small businesses.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
- £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
Catch up on key industry insights with podcast episodes available now
High Street Matters will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve.
We’re talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.
Listen to the series, available now.
Latest News
Read more-
Local businesses must have voice in Pride in Place spending decisions
Bira has called for local businesses to be given a say in how Pride in Place funding is spent, as the government announced an £800 million expansion of the community regeneration programme.
-
Independent retailers invited to celebrate Love Your High Street this Valentine's Day
Independent retailers across the UK are being urged to get creative this Valentine's Day as part of Bira's campaign to encourage shoppers to support their local high streets.
-
High streets funding welcome but business rates reform essential for lasting change
Bira has welcomed the government's £150 million investment in high streets but warned that the funding could be undermined without fundamental business rates reform.
-
Over half a million shoplifting offences highlight scale of retail crime crisis
Independent research warning that Labour faces electoral wipeout unless it addresses high street decline has vindicated warnings from retailers, Bira has said.