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
-
Thieves are stealing to order as demand for stolen goods drives shop theft, warns leading criminologist
A leading criminologist has warned that shop thieves are now stealing to order, with demand for stolen goods driving the crime.
-
New health food shop crowned high street shop of the year
A health food shop barely a year old has beaten a record field of nominations to be named high street shop of the year.
-
E-Bike Positive scheme scoops major national industry award for cycling advocacy
An e-bike safety and positivity advocacy campaign, run in part by Bira Group partners The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT), has won a major industry award for advocacy.
-
Critical website security flaw - all retailers urged to act now
Bira is urging businesses of all sizes to check their websites are protected, following a warning about a critical security flaw affecting PHP.