18 June 2024
Tributes are being paid to a Jonathan Swift, a former Director General of the British Hardware Federation who sadly passed away this weekend.
Jonathan was Director General of BAGMA from 1973 to 1986, and became Director General of the BHF in 1986 until his retirement in 2006.
He brought BAGMA into the BHF Association in 1984 and continued in his role of Secretary General of the International Hardware Association until 2011.
Jonathan was instrumental in building the BHF into today’s BIRA, representing independent hardware and agricultural business, lobbying Government during the difficult period in the 70s and 80s when interest rates hit over 17% and inflation rose to 24% - thus making the BHF an essential campaigner for retailers during these hard times.
Jonathan will be remembered for his powerful personality and towering speeches, he had an ability to make everyone he worked with feel special and important, and always ensured that members’ needs were at the heart of all decisions.
He will be greatly missed by all his former colleagues and the members.
Latest News
-
Half a million shoplifting offences still too high, says retailers' body
Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have fallen for the first time in years, new ONS figures show, but Bira is warning that half a million offences a year is still far too high.
-
BBC investigation exposes drug dealing in High Street mini-marts as Bira calls for urgent action
An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities has launched in April, spearheaded by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), part of the Bira Group.
-
First ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards launches to celebrate independent cycle retailers
An awards scheme celebrating independent bike shops that go above and beyond for their communities has launched in April, spearheaded by the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), part of the Bira Group.
-
National Living Wage and Minimum Wage increasing from April with new employment legislation also introduced
The National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increased from the start of April, with a number of measures under the Employment Rights Act also introduced from this month.