14 July 2025

14th July update from Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO: Bira was invited to give evidence to the Department for Business and Trade Select Committee on the government’s proposed business plan for small businesses. Only a handful of trade associations were asked to attend – a sign that our continued campaigning is being recognised.

The cross-party committee of MPs heard our views on key issues facing independent retailers: the cost-of-doing-business crisis, cuts to business rates relief, rising retail crime and antisocial behaviour, and the urgent need to revive our high streets.

We urged MPs to rethink how small business policy is developed. The current SME definition (under 249 employees) is too broad. High street businesses make up just 15% of SMEs, but they are highly visible and central to local communities – and they deserve a strategy of their own.

We’ll keep tracking the progress of this strategy. In the meantime, we encourage you to contact your local MP. Make your voice heard on the changes you want: fairer business rates, more police presence, high street investment, flexible energy deals, reduced labour costs – and more. MPs can influence policy, especially when enough people speak up.

 

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked Bira to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on the issues most important to them in the Government’s upcoming strategy for small business. 

At the end of this page is a list of 5 things we encourage members to do between now and the closing date, which is 16th July 2025.

 

The Government says it will “set out its vision for support for small businesses” this year, but unlike the Industrial Strategy, there has been no Green Paper to allow small businesses to consider what’s on the table or input their views.  

The inquiry, titled “What do small businesses really need now to drive the growth mission and keep our high streets thriving?”, is open for written evidence until 16th July 2025 and comes at a critical moment. After years of economic turbulence, including the pandemic and a torrent of rising operational costs, our high streets are under a huge amount of pressure. 

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Committee, put it succinctly: “Britain’s small businesses are the quiet powerhouse of our economy—but too often they are locked out of the decisions that shape their future.” This inquiry aims to change that by giving small businesses a stronger voice in shaping national economic policy. 

For BIRA members, the key issues raised in the inquiry will sound all too familiar: 

  • Unfair Business Rates: Many independent retailers are burdened by outdated and disproportionate business rates that don’t reflect the realities of modern retail. 
  • Soaring Rents: Commercial rent inflation continues to squeeze margins, making it harder for small businesses to stay afloat. 
  • Access to Finance: From start-up capital to growth funding, many small businesses struggle to secure the financial support they need. 
  • Lack of Representation: Despite their economic importance, small businesses often feel excluded from policy discussions dominated by large corporations. 

The Committee is calling for evidence and input from businesses across the UK, and this is a golden opportunity for our members to make their voices heard. Whether it’s through completing the national survey or submitting written evidence, your insights can help shape a more inclusive and effective small business strategy. 

This inquiry is not just about identifying problems—it’s about building solutions. The Committee wants to understand what’s working, what’s not working, and what needs to change to ensure that independents can continue to play a central role in vibrant, thriving communities. 

We encourage you to engage with the inquiry and share your experiences. Your stories, challenges, and ideas are essential to crafting a strategy that supports not just survival, but sustainable growth.

What you can do 

The deadline for any submissions is 16th July 2025

  1. Read the call for evidence 
  2. Submit your written evidence to The Small Business Strategy Inquiry 
  3. A 7-question survey is also running until July 16th – which can be found here 
  4. Visit the Bira member forum where you can share your views, or ask questions on any aspect of the inquiry here 
  5. Share this web page and encourage your neighbouring businesses to engage with the Inquiry

Note: We know our members are severely lacking free time, so it’s important to note that you can answer as many or as few questions as you wish, and answers can be as short as just a few key words.

Furthermore, if you leave your email at the end of the 7-question survey, you will be added to the stakeholder mailing list and kept up to date with the Business and Trade Committee’s work.

 

Catch up on key industry insights with podcast episodes available now

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.

Listen to the series, available now.

High Street Matters podcast
 

Latest News

Read more