04 March 2026
Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy and supply costs.
The association said the Chancellor's growth forecasts were at odds with the reality facing independent retailers, with no measures announced beyond the pub-only business rates relief already confirmed for April.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said independent retail was already under significant pressure before yesterday's statement.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "The Chancellor spoke about building growth in every part of Britain and more money in consumers' pockets to spend on the high street, but independent retail has been more challenging than ever over the past few months," said Mr Goodacre. "Those words need to be backed by action."
Mr Goodacre said Bira was monitoring the Middle East situation closely, warning that rising oil and gas costs during this type of conflict had historically hit small businesses hard."We were caught off guard by the impact of the Ukraine conflict on energy costs, and we are calling on the government to act now to protect businesses before history repeats itself," said Mr Goodacre. "Our biggest concern is what this uncertainty does to consumer confidence and therefore consumer spending - and that is the last thing our members needed right now."
Bira has consistently called on the government to extend business rates relief beyond pubs to all independent high street retailers.
With the deadline only a month away, here's how to challenge and appeal your shop's business rate valuation
Independent retailers can easily check their shop’s business rates valuation through the Government's portal and ensure the details are correct.
With a simple online account, you can review, plan ahead, and even challenge your valuation before the deadline.
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
Image credit: EleSi/stock.adobe.com
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