Resources

Worst ever Christmas trading in Scotland, says report

Scottish retail suffered its worst Christmas trading ever due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new report has revealed. The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has released its Retail Sales Monitor for December 2020 in association with KPMG. Key points are: In December, Scottish sales decreased by 15.6% on a like-for-like basis compared with December 2019, when […]

Retail property: A revolution in the making

Jeffrey Goodman, of Amy’s Housewares in London, discusses the future of retail property in the UK and asks whether it’s prime time for a revolution… It will come! It has been coming for some time. But there has been no trigger point, as has now happened with Covid in 2020. It might start this year. […]

Can you force your staff to have a Covid jab?

As the country begins to rollout its Covid-19 vaccination programme, it has been suggested some public-facing shop staff might be in line for early immunisation. Here, Bira’s Legal team looks at whether you can force an employee to have the jab. At the start of December 2020, the UK became the world’s first country to approve the […]

Brexit: What next for retailers?

The UK left the European Union as planned on December 31, 2021, following the agreement of a deal. And while the Government provided a wealth of resources for businesses to prepare for the transition, we now must look at the next steps required. Here, we signpost retailers to some of the most up-to-date advice on […]

BRC releases December’s Retail Sales Monitor

In-store sales of non-food items declined by almost a quarter in 2020, compared to 2019, according to a new report. However, briefly opening shops in December boosted sales, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s Retail Sales Monitor in conjunction with KPMG. Key findings were as follows: On a Total basis, sales increased by 1.8% […]

Letter to Scottish Minister about click and collect services

The following letter was sent to Ms Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary, Fiona asking for click and collect to be allowed to continue on January 10, 2021. Dear Ms Hyslop, We understand from press reports of the First Minister’s daily briefing on Thursday that Scottish Ministers are considering whether to add non-essential retailers’ […]

High Street footfall down by almost half in 2020, says report

Shopper’s footfall fell by almost half in 2020, according to a new report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The figures featured in the BRC’s ShopperTrak Footfall Monitor for December 2020. Key findings include: Total year on year footfall for 2020 fell by 43.4%. Year on year UK Footfall decreased by 46.1% in November, a 19.3 […]

A Quick Guide to Secure Customer Authentication (SCA)

Secure Customer Authentication (SCA) goes live in the UK on 1st September 2021, thankfully much later than the launch date for Europe of 31st December 2020.

Report: Scottish retail ‘hammered’ by November’s lockdown

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has released its sales monitor for November, revealing growth was ‘hammered’ by a countrywide lockdown.

Cutting carbon survey: help for small and medium-sized businesses

As part of Bira’s drive to support and encourage independent retailers to consider their environmental impact, we’ve joined the #NetZeroSME research project.

Protecting your retail business through Christmas and beyond

Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, looks at way to protect your retail business through Christmas and beyond, even if there are further restrictions or lockdowns….

BRC report: Lockdown ‘put brakes on’ retail growth in November

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has released its Retail Sales Monitor for November 2020 – and it reveals November’s lockdown put the brakes on growth.

Survey of SME fleets and transitioning to electric vehicles

UK Power Networks in partnership with Ricardo Energy & Environment is running an online survey to understand how it can best support SMEs during their transition to electric vehicles to make the transition seamless.

Reopening Retail: Take Two

Quick recovery will be key for this second reopening to ensure independents benefit from sales in the lead up to Christmas. Read our tips here.

One small step to making your business more sustainable

Kernal of Hove share how they have seen the value of having a smart meter installed to make their business even more sustainable.

Everything you need to know about offering a delivery service to your customers

How to get started delivering goods to your customers. Discover the pros and cons of self-delivery vs using a courier or even drop shipping.

Increase sales through customer service

Here’s our top five tips on delivering great customer service to make sure you and your team build sales through service.

Five visual merchandising techniques to increase footfall instore

Seasonal trade will be different this year but regardless of which channel members use or when festive sales will peak, effective visual merchandising will help engage customers & drive sales.

Join the campaign to allow ‘non-essential’ retail to open

A petition has been launched to demand the Government rethinks its closure of ‘non-essential’ retail. The plea, launched by a member of the Greeting Card Association (GCA) – the body representing greeting cards retailers – has already achieved more than 4,000 signatures. It demands that the Government: ‘allows ‘non-essential’ shops to stay open during the […]

Five ways to promote your retail business during lockdown…for free

While your shop may be closed during lockdown, there are still things you can do now to promote elements of your business that you are still operating, or encourage interest within your local community to increase footfall when you reopen.

Further catch-up in October but polarised sales

Further catch-up in October but polarised sales found the BRC – KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for October 2020. Download here.

3 ways a smart meter could benefit your small businesses

Smart meters can give you more control over your businesses’ energy spend thanks to the data they provide. find out more here.

A quick and easy guide to Click and Collect for retailers

A simple guide on offering Click and Collect or curb side pick up for retailers, even if you don’t have an ecommerce website.

Top used Bira services in 2020

Here, we breakdown services our members have said have been essential to adapting their retail business and saving them money in 2020.

A Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales for independent retailers

How to navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday trading as an Independent retailer without competing with large multiples.

Coronavirus: Pensions Questions and Answers for Employers

Bira Workplace Pensions have pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding COVID-19 for retail businesses.

FAQs for the Welsh Government

We asked the Welsh Government a few questions in a bit to help provide some clarity to retailers during this time. A representative from the Business Division, Dept for Economy and Transport, Welsh Government responds.

Government Research Survey – Serious Crime and Small Publicly Accessible Organisations

Despite the understandable recent focus on Covid-19 and recovery, the threat from terrorism, which is not just constrained to the UK’s largest cities, sadly remains.

Retail’s Response to COVID-19

A ‘shallow dive’ into the types of design interventions chain retailers are using to address the changing customer mindset post COVID-19.

Prepare your food and drink business for a no-deal Brexit

Here we share a summary of government advice for preparing your food and drink business for a no-deal Brexit.

A quick guide on how retailers should prepare for Brexit

The government has provided some general guidance for the retail industry on what to expect after 1st January 2021. We’ve pulled some of the key information together and summarised it here. 

Free downloadable COVID posters for your shop

Ask your customers to wear a face mask and remind them of the distancing requirements in your shop with instore and window signage.

Have more control of your energy bills with a smart meter

Energy is a key expense that businesses need to factor into their outgoings so a great way to gain more control is to request a smart meter installation.

Changing employment contracts – Our key FAQ’s

With the busy winter season fast approaching and the threat of coronavirus still very much present, retailers may have to make further adaptations to their working practices in order to weather the storm.

Is a national ‘circuit breaker’ the answer?

With discussions taking place over whether there should be a short, sharp national lockdown, dubbed ‘a circuit breaker’ Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre asks if it is a wise move or not?

Maybe* report: Is Christmas really cancelled?

Get ahead and prepare to overcome the barriers this Christmas period by listening to what consumers are saying.

Pet Memorials a growing trend

Pet memorials are growing in popularity and Bira members can order pet memorials from the House Name Plate Company through Bira Direct.

Retail footfall drops in September as ‘second wave of pandemic sweeps UK’

The BRC-ShopperTrak Footfall Monitor for September 2020 is now available to download.

A guide to preparing for Christmas in post-Covid retail

Preparation is key for a successful Christmas in post-covid retail. This guide will help to make this festive period safe and successful too.

Why eBay’s Pay As You Grow Scheme is great for independent retailers

eBay has launched the Pay As You Grow campaign to give entrepreneurs and business owners a helping hand to get selling online.

A Simple Guide to Buy Now Pay Later for Retailers

Buy now, pay later schemes give customers a way to spread the cost of their purchases and pay less upfront for the goods they want. The buy now, pay later service provider takes on the credit and fraud risk while the retailer is paid upfront. 

BRC Peak Insights Report

Head of Insight & Analytics at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) gives insights into online expectations and store expectations.

Recorded webinar: Connect with your customers by bringing your business presence online

4 out of 5 consumers use Google search engines to find information like store address, hours, and directions. But will they find yours? Watch the webinar.

Template Letter: Employee obligation to communicate need to self-isolate

New Regulations were introduced on 28th September 2020 in England by the UK Government making it a legal obligation to self-isolate if an individual tests positive for Covid-19.

Smarter Payments: A simple guide to accepting card payments

As an independent retail business, offering card payments could create an opportunity to increase average transaction values and sales. Find out more.

Should I be selling online? A simple guide to ecommerce

In today’s climate, it’s never been more important to start getting online. Find out more

The Which? Awards – don’t miss the chance to nominate your business

Retailers are invited to put forward nominations for the Which? Awards 2020.

Should you expand your presence in the at-home market?

From new tech including a Smart Mapping tool to insights from the home improvement sector, Barbour ABI share tips on the opportunities for independent retailers trading in the DIY and hardware industries.

The benefits of a booking service for your shop

Booking services provide a solution to the problems that many high-street shops are currently experiencing of long queues and store capacity.

Kevan Carr and Richard Harris – The Black Market Barber Company, Kings Heath, Birmingham

We chat to new Bira member Black Market Barber Company about haircuts after lockdown.

Worst ever Christmas trading in Scotland, says report

Scottish retail suffered its worst Christmas trading ever due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new report has revealed. The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has released its Retail Sales Monitor for December 2020 in association with KPMG. Key points are: In December, Scottish sales decreased by 15.6% on a like-for-like basis compared with December 2019, when […]

Retail property: A revolution in the making

Jeffrey Goodman, of Amy’s Housewares in London, discusses the future of retail property in the UK and asks whether it’s prime time for a revolution… It will come! It has been coming for some time. But there has been no trigger point, as has now happened with Covid in 2020. It might start this year. […]

Can you force your staff to have a Covid jab?

As the country begins to rollout its Covid-19 vaccination programme, it has been suggested some public-facing shop staff might be in line for early immunisation. Here, Bira’s Legal team looks at whether you can force an employee to have the jab. At the start of December 2020, the UK became the world’s first country to approve the […]

Brexit: What next for retailers?

The UK left the European Union as planned on December 31, 2021, following the agreement of a deal. And while the Government provided a wealth of resources for businesses to prepare for the transition, we now must look at the next steps required. Here, we signpost retailers to some of the most up-to-date advice on […]

BRC releases December’s Retail Sales Monitor

In-store sales of non-food items declined by almost a quarter in 2020, compared to 2019, according to a new report. However, briefly opening shops in December boosted sales, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s Retail Sales Monitor in conjunction with KPMG. Key findings were as follows: On a Total basis, sales increased by 1.8% […]

Letter to Scottish Minister about click and collect services

The following letter was sent to Ms Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government’s Economy Secretary, Fiona asking for click and collect to be allowed to continue on January 10, 2021. Dear Ms Hyslop, We understand from press reports of the First Minister’s daily briefing on Thursday that Scottish Ministers are considering whether to add non-essential retailers’ […]

High Street footfall down by almost half in 2020, says report

Shopper’s footfall fell by almost half in 2020, according to a new report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The figures featured in the BRC’s ShopperTrak Footfall Monitor for December 2020. Key findings include: Total year on year footfall for 2020 fell by 43.4%. Year on year UK Footfall decreased by 46.1% in November, a 19.3 […]

A Quick Guide to Secure Customer Authentication (SCA)

Secure Customer Authentication (SCA) goes live in the UK on 1st September 2021, thankfully much later than the launch date for Europe of 31st December 2020.

Report: Scottish retail ‘hammered’ by November’s lockdown

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has released its sales monitor for November, revealing growth was ‘hammered’ by a countrywide lockdown.

Cutting carbon survey: help for small and medium-sized businesses

As part of Bira’s drive to support and encourage independent retailers to consider their environmental impact, we’ve joined the #NetZeroSME research project.

Protecting your retail business through Christmas and beyond

Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, looks at way to protect your retail business through Christmas and beyond, even if there are further restrictions or lockdowns….

BRC report: Lockdown ‘put brakes on’ retail growth in November

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has released its Retail Sales Monitor for November 2020 – and it reveals November’s lockdown put the brakes on growth.

Survey of SME fleets and transitioning to electric vehicles

UK Power Networks in partnership with Ricardo Energy & Environment is running an online survey to understand how it can best support SMEs during their transition to electric vehicles to make the transition seamless.

Reopening Retail: Take Two

Quick recovery will be key for this second reopening to ensure independents benefit from sales in the lead up to Christmas. Read our tips here.

One small step to making your business more sustainable

Kernal of Hove share how they have seen the value of having a smart meter installed to make their business even more sustainable.

Increase sales through customer service

Here’s our top five tips on delivering great customer service to make sure you and your team build sales through service.

Everything you need to know about offering a delivery service to your customers

How to get started delivering goods to your customers. Discover the pros and cons of self-delivery vs using a courier or even drop shipping.

Five visual merchandising techniques to increase footfall instore

Seasonal trade will be different this year but regardless of which channel members use or when festive sales will peak, effective visual merchandising will help engage customers & drive sales.

Join the campaign to allow ‘non-essential’ retail to open

A petition has been launched to demand the Government rethinks its closure of ‘non-essential’ retail. The plea, launched by a member of the Greeting Card Association (GCA) – the body representing greeting cards retailers – has already achieved more than 4,000 signatures. It demands that the Government: ‘allows ‘non-essential’ shops to stay open during the […]

Five ways to promote your retail business during lockdown…for free

While your shop may be closed during lockdown, there are still things you can do now to promote elements of your business that you are still operating, or encourage interest within your local community to increase footfall when you reopen.

Further catch-up in October but polarised sales

Further catch-up in October but polarised sales found the BRC – KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for October 2020. Download here.

3 ways a smart meter could benefit your small businesses

Smart meters can give you more control over your businesses’ energy spend thanks to the data they provide. find out more here.

A quick and easy guide to Click and Collect for retailers

A simple guide on offering Click and Collect or curb side pick up for retailers, even if you don’t have an ecommerce website.

Top used Bira services in 2020

Here, we breakdown services our members have said have been essential to adapting their retail business and saving them money in 2020.

Coronavirus: Pensions Questions and Answers for Employers

Bira Workplace Pensions have pulled together some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding COVID-19 for retail businesses.

FAQs for the Welsh Government

We asked the Welsh Government a few questions in a bit to help provide some clarity to retailers during this time. A representative from the Business Division, Dept for Economy and Transport, Welsh Government responds.

A Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales for independent retailers

How to navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday trading as an Independent retailer without competing with large multiples.

Government Research Survey – Serious Crime and Small Publicly Accessible Organisations

Despite the understandable recent focus on Covid-19 and recovery, the threat from terrorism, which is not just constrained to the UK’s largest cities, sadly remains.

Retail’s Response to COVID-19

A ‘shallow dive’ into the types of design interventions chain retailers are using to address the changing customer mindset post COVID-19.

Prepare your food and drink business for a no-deal Brexit

Here we share a summary of government advice for preparing your food and drink business for a no-deal Brexit.

Free downloadable COVID posters for your shop

Ask your customers to wear a face mask and remind them of the distancing requirements in your shop with instore and window signage.

Have more control of your energy bills with a smart meter

Energy is a key expense that businesses need to factor into their outgoings so a great way to gain more control is to request a smart meter installation.

Changing employment contracts – Our key FAQ’s

With the busy winter season fast approaching and the threat of coronavirus still very much present, retailers may have to make further adaptations to their working practices in order to weather the storm.

Is a national ‘circuit breaker’ the answer?

With discussions taking place over whether there should be a short, sharp national lockdown, dubbed ‘a circuit breaker’ Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre asks if it is a wise move or not?

Maybe* report: Is Christmas really cancelled?

Get ahead and prepare to overcome the barriers this Christmas period by listening to what consumers are saying.

Pet Memorials a growing trend

Pet memorials are growing in popularity and Bira members can order pet memorials from the House Name Plate Company through Bira Direct.

Retail footfall drops in September as ‘second wave of pandemic sweeps UK’

The BRC-ShopperTrak Footfall Monitor for September 2020 is now available to download.

A guide to preparing for Christmas in post-Covid retail

Preparation is key for a successful Christmas in post-covid retail. This guide will help to make this festive period safe and successful too.

Why eBay’s Pay As You Grow Scheme is great for independent retailers

eBay has launched the Pay As You Grow campaign to give entrepreneurs and business owners a helping hand to get selling online.

A Simple Guide to Buy Now Pay Later for Retailers

Buy now, pay later schemes give customers a way to spread the cost of their purchases and pay less upfront for the goods they want. The buy now, pay later service provider takes on the credit and fraud risk while the retailer is paid upfront. 

BRC Peak Insights Report

Head of Insight & Analytics at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) gives insights into online expectations and store expectations.

Template Letter: Employee obligation to communicate need to self-isolate

New Regulations were introduced on 28th September 2020 in England by the UK Government making it a legal obligation to self-isolate if an individual tests positive for Covid-19.

Smarter Payments: A simple guide to accepting card payments

As an independent retail business, offering card payments could create an opportunity to increase average transaction values and sales. Find out more.

The Which? Awards – don’t miss the chance to nominate your business

Retailers are invited to put forward nominations for the Which? Awards 2020.

Should you expand your presence in the at-home market?

From new tech including a Smart Mapping tool to insights from the home improvement sector, Barbour ABI share tips on the opportunities for independent retailers trading in the DIY and hardware industries.

Should I be selling online? A simple guide to ecommerce

In today’s climate, it’s never been more important to start getting online. Find out more

The benefits of a booking service for your shop

Booking services provide a solution to the problems that many high-street shops are currently experiencing of long queues and store capacity.

Health & Safety Guide: Cleaning Activities in the Retail Sector

This guide is intended to help you understand what you are required to do as a minimum to ensure the safety of your employees.

Marketing a new retail business

For the final instalment of the How to Open a Shop Guide, we’re looking at how to market your new retail business. Here we’ll cover the basics including websites, social media and the more-valuable-then-gold word of mouth marketing. 

New shop design, layout and stock

In this instalment of the How to Open a Shop Guide, we’ll look at how to plan the best layout for your shop including merchandising and staff facilities.

Transporting goods between the UK and EU in a no-deal Brexit

Download this handy guide if you need to transport your goods to the EU post-Brexit. Hauliers and commercial drivers will need the correct documentation to travel to, from or through the EU if the UK leaves without a deal.

Importing and exporting post-Brexit

Get all the information you need about EORI numbers for importing and exporting goods post-Brexit.  

Recruiting new staff

A well-thought-out recruitment process will help you to fill the position with the best possible candidate, support business objectives and avoid any legal pitfalls. Ellis Whittam, the providers of the Bira Legal service have provided a nine-step checklist to guide you through the recruitment process.

Accept payments on the go with Mobile Pay

In-store or on-the-go, get paid fast with the powerful mobile point of sale app and card reader, from Bira’s preferred Card Processing service provider, Global Payments.

Hints and tips for protecting your business against fraud

Fraudsters have many ways of targeting businesses, whether anonymously online, posing as a customer or in your employment. This guide aims to provide you with some popular hints and tips for identifying potential fraud to help you protect your business.

How to look after your mental health

Bira are proud supporters of Mental Health Foundation who help drive conversations on mental health and body image to create lasting change. Here’s some advice from the Mental Health Foundation on how to look after you and your colleagues’ mental health.

Your step-by-step guide to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Process

Your step-by-step guide to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Process provided by Bira’s chosen Card Processing provider, Global Payments.

Making Tax Digital – A bitesize guide for business

Making Tax Digital begins in April. This useful, bite-size guide for business will explain everything you need to know.

Your online retail guide

Not only has e-commerce completely shifted how consumers’ shop, the online world is now having a transformative impact on the in-store physical retail experience. Find out how you can start creating meaningful moments across your businesses digital journey.

Managing paternity leave in your business

You may think that every expectant father is entitled to time off, but in fact there are a number of eligibility conditions that need to be fulfilled.

bira’s Business Rates Manifesto

A simpler, standard rateable allowance to help independent retail businesses. Read bira’s Business Rates Manifesto, which has been presented to MP’s here.

Home Office Serious Violence Strategy

The Home Office will today (Monday 9 April) launch the Serious Violence Strategy, which will set out the Government’s response to the recent increase in knife crime, gun crime and homicide.

Cyber Aware’s new Perception Gap Report

This innovative new report evidences the misconceptions the public have towards cyber security, compared to the reality of the threat – a perceptions gap which is eroding our resilience to cyber criminals.

Withdrawing the paper £10 note – FAQ’s

The last day to use your paper £10 notes is 1 March 2018. The Bank of England answers your frequently asked questions regarding the withdrawal in this factsheet.

Navigating the financial landscape

Financial planning responds to seasonal changes. Wren Sterling offers insight on how to navigate the financial landscape.

SMEs and Cyber Attacks: What you need to know

Only 1 in 4 small businesses are prepared for a cyber attack. Prevent your business from being hindered by a cyber attack by managing business risks. Source: Towergate Insurance

The definitive guide to mobile marketing and alerts

We are increasingly becoming a mobile-first society. Here, Text Local brings to you the definitive guide to mobile marketing for your business.

Your guide to the General Data Protection Regulation

The way in which personal data is used and protected is set to change in May 2018.

Business Rates Manifesto

Your guide to selling and using chemical products

Your guide to carrying cash

Your guide to taking a lease

Your guide to partnerships and limited companies

Your guide to Business Names

Recorded webinar: Connect with your customers by bringing your business presence online

4 out of 5 consumers use Google search engines to find information like store address, hours, and directions. But will they find yours? Watch the webinar.

Video: Mule Cycles & EKM

Skate Britain & Mule Cycles talk about how EKM’s Evolution Mode helped to improve their online shop. Get three months free and find out more.

Help make Christmas 2019 one to remember.

Help make Christmas 2019 one to remember. Join the campaign to get Britain shopping local. Last year Visa ran a successful marketing campaign, which turned the spotlight on over 100 independent retailers from Dundee to Southampton, from big cities to small towns, toy sellers and bakers to florists and butchers. These passionate shop-owners became stars […]

Justifying discrimination

Receiving a discrimination claim can be a real concern for employers but when it happens it’s essential that your actions are justifiable. Find out more.

Northumbria Pets

Northumbria Pets first came across bira in 2006 at a trade show event and has been a member ever since, taking advantage of bira direct’s pre-negotiated terms and discounts with suppliers.

Advance Performance

Sam Hale of Advance Performance discusses her business journey which started 18 years ago from a back bedroom at home. The ‘running store for everyone’ is now based in both Peterborough and Cambridge and prides itself on offering a high customer service which cannot be delivered by an online-only retail store.

A recipe for bags load of energy

Ever wondered how you could get bags load of energy? National Association of Health Stores (NAHS) explains how to make the most from items you can find at your local independent Health Store.

How to login to the Member Dashboard

A step-by-step guide on how to login to the Member Dashboard, available to bira members. Unlock member-only service information, resources, bira member magazines and exclusive content today.

How to use bira direct Invoice Manager

It’s now easier to keep all of your invoices in one place. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to us bira direct Invoice Manager, available to all bira members.

Your guide to updating your supplier page

A step-by-step video tutorial on how to edit your bira direct supplier page.

Toolshop

Meet Vin Vara – Bira’s formal National President and independent hardware business owner of the Tool Shop Group.

Glasswells

Member testimonial

Rachel Riley

Member testimonial

Lords

Member testimonial

Coes

Member testimonial