26 September 2025
Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
Bira said the investment in local communities would help its members take pride in their shops and high streets, following years of calling for more targeted investment based on local needs.
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Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Bira very much welcomes this announcement. Our hardworking members want to be proud of their shops and want to be proud of their high streets. We have been asking for more investment in local places based on the needs of local businesses and the wider community.
"Based on this proposal, it looks like we have been heard and high street businesses will receive the kind of support they need. It would be ideal if we could combine this news with lower business rates that would allow businesses to also invest in their local areas."
The programme will see 169 areas receive £2 million every year for a decade, with a further 95 areas receiving an immediate £1.5 million to upgrade public spaces. Communities will gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now. We're investing in the UK's future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country."
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said the plan would "spark an historic grassroots movement that will restore local people's power, boost national pride and help people get on in life across the UK."
Bira has long campaigned for greater investment in high streets and local communities. The association represents businesses ranging from corner shops to specialist retailers, all of whom play vital roles in their local economies.
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:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating the rise of retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
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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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Image credit: Stephen Davies/stock.adobe.com
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