"The Government's spending review contains no specific mention of high streets, retail or independents."
"There will be some new growth funds and investment from the Government in 350 struggling places. Let's hope high streets and indies benefit from these investments."
This month Bira's areas of focus include the newly announced Spending Review, a consultation on the National Living Wage, as well as the review on importing low value items. Read the latest update from Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira.
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders. Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating 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
Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.
Click on the topics below to find out our latest activity in each area.
Join to support Bira
You can support our continued efforts by joining our community for just £17/mo and in return you can benefit from a wider range of support and services aimed to help businesses to flourish.
Our Latest News
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High street and retail footfall drops sharply in June, shows new data from BRC
Bira warns falling footfall and rising costs are a “recipe for disaster” for indie retailers, calling for urgent high street support.
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Government plan to outlaw 'upward only' rent reviews welcomed by Bira
Bira welcomes a government plan to ban upward-only rent reviews, aiming to create fairer leases for tenants including on high streets.
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Bira supports ShopKind campaign to tackle abuse of shopworkers
The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) has welcomed the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking's report "Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes".
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Retailers welcome digital parking platform but warn against leaving cash users behind
Independent retailers have welcomed the Government's new digital parking platform, but warned it must not exclude older customers and cash users.