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
-
Inaugural Local Bike Shop Week hailed a major success as ACT Director visits winning bike shop
The first ever Local Bike Shop Week has been hailed a major success, as the Association of Cycle Traders Director made a personal visit to present the inaugural Local Bike Shop Awards winner with their trophy.
-
Independent retailers welcome crackdown on high street organised crime
Bira has welcomed government plans to introduce new legislation giving police and councils enhanced powers to shut down criminal businesses on the high street.
-
Nearly nine in ten independent retailers say theft has got worse, as Bira crime survey reveals deepening crisis on Britain's high streets
Bira has published its latest retail crime survey, with findings that paint an increasingly urgent picture of the pressures facing independent businesses across the UK.
-
One million NEETs - independent retailers warn rising costs have killed the Saturday job
Bira has warned that soaring business costs have gutted the entry-level jobs that once gave young people their first step into work.