12 October 2021

Bira held 'productive' talks with Welsh Minister for the Economy Vaughan Gething.

The meeting was also attended by other retail associations and large chain retailers, and matters on the agenda included retail fragile recovery post-pandemic; the need for ongoing fiscal support and the reduction in business rates.

 

Bira's CEO Andrew Goodare said: "We had a productive meeting with the Welsh Minister for Economy.

"He is genuinely interested in the retail sector and the challenges we face. I was keen to stress that with footfall levels are still lower than we would like, together with the increased costs being passed on the independent retailers, the high street recovery is fragile. As a result, we need to see business rates permanently and significantly reduced to reduce the burden on hard pressed retailers."

Bira was the voice of indies at a new retail forum. Read more here

Are you a retailer in Wales? What would you like to see by way of support for the indie sector? Email emily.bridgewater@bira.co.uk

Additional Guidance and Resources