10 March 2025
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre will take part in a panel debate at this week’s Farm Retail Association (FRA) Conference 2025.
The event, which takes place from 11th to 13th March at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, is bringing together farm retailers, suppliers, and industry experts.
The conference, themed “Profit with Purpose: Let’s Grow with Integrity”, will focus on sustainable growth and ethical business practices, with the agenda including a trade show, keynote speeches, and discussions on challenges and opportunities in farm retail. Attendees can also take part in farm shop tours and the annual Farm Retail Awards.
One of the key sessions is a panel discussion on “The Future of Food and Rural Retail in the UK”, featuring Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, former Environment Secretary George Eustice, and farmer and former MEP Dr Phil Bennion, with the discussion set to be chaired by broadcaster Nigel Barden.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “I’m delighted to be playing an active part in this conference. Farm retail is a growing retail sector that really supports local economies and rural communities. There are many synergies between Farm Retail UK and Bira, and I am looking forward to learning more about the challenges and opportunities in this sector.”
Other speakers at the conference include Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford Organic, and Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, known as The Black Farmer, with the event promising to provide insights into the future of farm retail and opportunities for business growth.
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
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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.
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