09 July 2024
In a meeting with Jonathan Reynolds and the Department for Business and Trade, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, welcomed the focus on supporting small businesses among the government’s four key priorities. The meeting, called at short notice, provided a platform for business leaders from various sectors to engage directly with policymakers.
The four priorities outlined by the Secretary include:
- Creating a “Mission-Driven Industrial Strategy”: This strategy aims to boost productivity and promote clean and green energy initiatives.
- Supporting Small Businesses: Emphasis will be placed on improving cash flow for small businesses and reforming the British Business Bank.
- Improving UK Trade: Efforts will be concentrated on enhancing export capabilities and opportunities.
- Ensuring Fair Work Practices: The focus here is on improving working terms, conditions, and job security.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the discussion, Andrew Goodacre highlighted the importance of reducing operational costs for independent retailers through business rates reform, addressing retail crime, and fostering investment in high streets.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "Great to hear about the 4 priorities and even better to know that supporting small business is one of those priorities. I am looking forward to further discussions to make this a reality for indie retailers by reducing the cost of running a shop through business rates reform, reducing retail crime and encouraging investment in our high streets."
"It is great for Bira to have been invited to such an early meeting. We will be following up by reaching out to the business ministers once they have been announced.” he added.
The meeting underscores the government’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the independent retail sector, promising a collaborative effort to enhance the business environment for small enterprises across the UK.
Find out more about Bira's policies and campaigns.
Got something to say on this story? Scroll down and leave a comment.
Related News
All News-
Independent retailers welcome crackdown on high street organised crime
Bira has welcomed government plans to introduce new legislation giving police and councils enhanced powers to shut down criminal businesses on the high street.
-
Nearly nine in ten independent retailers say theft has got worse, as Bira crime survey reveals deepening crisis on Britain's high streets
Bira has published its latest retail crime survey, with findings that paint an increasingly urgent picture of the pressures facing independent businesses across the UK.
-
Independent pet shops warn flea treatment reclassification will hit communities and push up costs for pet owners
Bira is calling on the government to halt plans that could remove common flea treatments from pet shop shelves, warning the move would damage high street businesses and leave pet owners facing higher costs.
-
Independent retailers welcome government crackdown on organised crime targeting Britain’s high streets
Bira has welcomed a major new government offensive targeting organised crime on Britain’s high streets, describing illicit traders as an emerging and serious threat to legitimate local shops.
-
Half a million shoplifting offences still too high, says retailers' body
Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have fallen for the first time in years, new ONS figures show, but Bira is warning that half a million offences a year is still far too high.