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Welcome to the Knowledge Hub
Knowledge is power. And that’s why we help our members stay ahead with all the latest sector information and insights. You’ll find articles, research, factsheets, legal documents and opinion pieces, all right here in the hub.
Making Tax Digital for VAT – Are you ready?
If you’re filing your own VAT returns as part of Making Tax Digital (MTD), we’ve identified some key tips to ensure you’re ready.
MoreCookware conversation is driven by deals and discounting
What are your customers saying on social media about the cookware industry? Now you don’t have to guess. We’ve partnered with Maybe* to provide you with the latest cookware trends and conversations.
MoreIndependent gift shops should promote their strengths over an online experience
As an independent retailer, you probably don’t have time to scour the internet to find inspiration on the latest giftware trends. We’ve partnered up with Maybe*, to deliver up-to-the-minute insight in your industry!
MoreThe DIY and hardware conversation is being lead by gardening and garden centres
We’d all like to be the first to know what the next big DIY trend is going to be! Here’s how to simply create content for your DIY & Hardware business.
MoreWhy ignoring mental health is bad for business (and what you can do about it)
The association between work and wellbeing is becoming increasingly obvious; despite this, the Stevenson/Farmer review of mental health and employers reveals that only 39% of organisations have policies or systems in place to support employees with common mental health conditions.
MoreA recipe for success
Celebrating its 110th anniversary this summer, Potters of Hockley is a fine example of a long-established independent retailer that has reinvented and revived itself.
ViewHow 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.
DownloadCutting the cost of car scams
Following a spate of fraudster scams pretending to be from the DVLA, we’ve highlighted how criminals are stealing from unsuspecting motorists.
MoreMaking visual impact through colour
Independent retailers are at an advantage over online shops when it comes to making visual impact. By utilising visual merchandising through texture, shape and colour retailers can create displays that influence customers spending habits.
MoreWin up to £1000 with VISA
We’re excited to share information on the Visa Spend & Win Competition which is in partnership with the Great British High Street Awards. The competition encourages people to spend money in their local independent stores and rewards both businesses and customers. Running until the 27th May 2019, every purchase with Visa in your store gives […]
ViewChanges for employers from April 2019
A brief summary of the key changes that employers should be aware of from 6th April 2019.
More5 lessons independent retailers can learn from luxury brands
We’ve shed light on some of the key lessons that independent stores can learn from high-end retail brands.
MoreTake a break from the holiday pay confusion
There may still be confusion as to what employers can, and can’t do when it comes to holidays. With bank holidays on the horizon, we’ve addressed the many myths and misunderstandings regarding holidays and holiday pay.
MoreHow to start a retail business: 9 Steps to get your biz up and running
If you’re at the start of your business journey take a look at this retail roadmap to get you started on your path to success. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to starting a retail operation of your own.
MoreDoing what comes naturally
Twice named Scotland’s independent Health and Lifestyle Retailer of the Year, Dilip Kotecha of Quality Vitamins and Herbs in Glasgow believes in offering a huge selection of specialist products backed up with expert service.
ViewAn exclusive Bira Direct member gift at Exclusively Housewares 2019
Following the success of last year’s show Bira Direct will be exhibiting again this year, with an added benefit for Bira members in 2019.
ViewIncreases in minimum pension contributions – April 2019
In April, the minimum contributions will increase again from 5% to 8%. Increasing contributions should be straightforward but there are checks to make.
MoreNew payslip rules explained
From 6 April, new legislation will require employers to provide payslips to all workers as well as itemised payslips to those whose pay varies on hours worked.
MoreWho is playing with our rating?
From having only 5-star ratings, Des Count, our man in the gift shop, is being hit by mysterious 1-star ratings which lack any comments. What funny business is this?
ViewYour guide to safe payments
Global Payments, the approved service partners behind the Bira Card Processing service is sharing information on PCI compliance; understanding risk and how to protect your business with this useful guide from the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
MoreDownloadTwenty Years of ISAs
The Individual Savings Account (ISA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Launched in March 1999, the ISA was the result of the Government’s plan to encourage more people to save. Here are some reminders of the features and history of the ISA.
MoreWin retail space in a retail centre near you
HATCH is a competition supporting budding businesses and those ready for the next step. Revo + HATCH are looking for businesses that are small, hungry and ultimately, have potential for longevity. Are you up for it?
MoreCorrosive Voluntary Commitments – POS
An important Government initiative helping to restrict access to acids and other products containing harmful corrosive substances to under 18s. Act now to support the voluntary commitments for retailers.
ViewWorkplace mental health
With the Government forecasting that one in four of us will experience mental health problems, it is important to ensure you understand its implications.
MoreApril 2019 | Pay changes you need to know
Are you one of the many employers confused by the terminology used for minimum pay rates? We’ve highlighted the upcoming changes effective from April 2019.
MoreHow to get the most out of your ePOS system
As a retailer, your ePOS system is the most important tool you have in your store. More than just a device that sits on your checkout counter, it can also help you manage multiple aspects of your business — including stock control, customer relationships, analytics, and more.
MoreAct now to secure a rates reduction
Members hoping to secure a reduction in their business rates are urged to contact their local authority or council to find out how the reduction will be applied.
ViewThe rise and rise of independent marketplaces
Online marketplaces offer independent bricks-and-mortar retailers an impressive platform from which to sell not but nationally, but globally. Would any of these be appropriate for your store?
ViewDisplays that lead to sales
In some companies, staff training is simply limited to watching an induction video about health & safety. Thankfully many Bira members appreciate the benefits that professional staff development can provide, especially in specialist fields such as visual merchandising.
ViewHarnessing local support
So how can Bira members continuously remind shoppers to use their local independent retailers, to buy something and to keep money in the local economy? Here, we take a look at a few campaigns that seem to be working.
ViewBira Direct boosts giftware offer
Bira Direct is continuing to work hard to support members by working with a wide range of suppliers, brands and products, from fashion accessories to ironmongery, all with preferential terms.
ViewSelling electrical goods?
Retailers looking for an alternative to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, which oblige them to take back old equipment when a customer buys a new equivalent, can join the Distributor Take-back Scheme (DTS).
ViewWhat might Brexit mean for members?
The government has provided some general guidance for retail on what to expect after 29 March. Some points require action now, whether we end up with a deal or no-deal Brexit.
MoreIndependents rise above failing majors
The media obsession with poor retailers taints us all, says Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre.
ViewKeeping half a step ahead of customers
Rumours of the death of the department store have been exaggerated. The eight-strong Morleys Group proves that consistent investment in property, brands and staff pays off.
ViewThe retail software you need for Making Tax Digital
Does your retail business have the right software solutions in place so you’ll be compliant with Making Tax Digital this year? Vend, Bira’s approved retail Epos, is here to make sure all your bases are covered for Making Tax Digital in 2019.
ViewDriving change by shopping sustainably
Bira Direct has negotiated exclusive offers and discounts on products that are sourced sustainably and with reduced environmental impact.
MoreFinding the right insurance partner
Finding the right insurance broker who ticks all the boxes needn’t be a stressful or time-consuming process. This simple guide helps you dig a little deeper and learn what you are getting for your hard-earned cash.
MoreWhen did you last complete your #LifeUpdates?
Despite the perception the big cyber media stories might paint – it’s not just large global companies that are at risk of a cyber security breach.
MoreGetting in to gardening
Springtime is boom time for retailers serving gardeners. Are you making the most of the potential of this huge area?
ViewHow to diversify your product range in 2019
The shape of the high street is rapidly changing and so are the wants of consumers. Stay ahead of the curve by effectively diversifying your product range with these NEW Bira Direct Suppliers.
MoreMaking 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.
DownloadDon’t slip up calculating the costs of accidents
Calculating the true costs of accidents to both employers and employees isn’t straightforward. Follow our 6 step risk reduction plan, to reduce the risks and cut costs to your business.
MoreA huge opportunity in the vintage and classic car community
The vintage, veteran and classic car community is a huge market opportunity for Guy Lachlan’s products.
ViewRetail Tech Trends for 2019
2018 was huge for retail with new opportunities & challenges. Read the top three retail tech trends from Vend that retailers should pay close attention to in 2019.
MoreGetting smart about security: prevention is better than cure
We’ve asked experts on security products to tell us what they think about new smart technology and what are the best methods for protecting your business and homes.
ViewKeeping your business safe the smart way
It’s well known that burglary rates rise at this time of year. Burg-Wächter explains how to keep your business premises safe.
ViewHot weather in the workplace – A Health & Safety perspective
Does the current heatwave give you cause for concern about the temperature in your workplace? Here’s how to keep your employees safe in the workplace.
MoreHealth of the High Street Survey
We’re running an important nationwide project to update the data we have for the overall health of our high streets. Please complete the short six question survey below and distribute to as many of your customers as you can.
MoreNational Home Improvement Week
‘Love the Home You Live In’ is the tagline for National Home Improvement Week, a new consumer marketing initiative to be held during 12-18 March.
MoreMaking Tax Digital for VAT – Are you ready?
If you’re filing your own VAT returns as part of Making Tax Digital (MTD), we’ve identified some key tips to ensure you’re ready.
MoreCookware conversation is driven by deals and discounting
What are your customers saying on social media about the cookware industry? Now you don’t have to guess. We’ve partnered with Maybe* to provide you with the latest cookware trends and conversations.
MoreIndependent gift shops should promote their strengths over an online experience
As an independent retailer, you probably don’t have time to scour the internet to find inspiration on the latest giftware trends. We’ve partnered up with Maybe*, to deliver up-to-the-minute insight in your industry!
MoreThe DIY and hardware conversation is being lead by gardening and garden centres
We’d all like to be the first to know what the next big DIY trend is going to be! Here’s how to simply create content for your DIY & Hardware business.
MoreWhy ignoring mental health is bad for business (and what you can do about it)
The association between work and wellbeing is becoming increasingly obvious; despite this, the Stevenson/Farmer review of mental health and employers reveals that only 39% of organisations have policies or systems in place to support employees with common mental health conditions.
MoreCutting the cost of car scams
Following a spate of fraudster scams pretending to be from the DVLA, we’ve highlighted how criminals are stealing from unsuspecting motorists.
MoreMaking visual impact through colour
Independent retailers are at an advantage over online shops when it comes to making visual impact. By utilising visual merchandising through texture, shape and colour retailers can create displays that influence customers spending habits.
MoreChanges for employers from April 2019
A brief summary of the key changes that employers should be aware of from 6th April 2019.
More5 lessons independent retailers can learn from luxury brands
We’ve shed light on some of the key lessons that independent stores can learn from high-end retail brands.
MoreTake a break from the holiday pay confusion
There may still be confusion as to what employers can, and can’t do when it comes to holidays. With bank holidays on the horizon, we’ve addressed the many myths and misunderstandings regarding holidays and holiday pay.
MoreHow 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.
DownloadYour 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.
DownloadYour guide to safe payments
Global Payments, the approved service partners behind the Bira Card Processing service is sharing information on PCI compliance; understanding risk and how to protect your business with this useful guide from the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
DownloadMaking 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.
DownloadYour 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.
DownloadManaging 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.
Downloadbira’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.
DownloadHome 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.
DownloadCyber 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.
DownloadWithdrawing 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.
DownloadNorthumbria 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.
MoreAdvance 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.
MoreA 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.
MoreHow 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.
MoreHow 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.
MoreYour guide to updating your supplier page
A step-by-step video tutorial on how to edit your bira direct supplier page.
MoreToolshop
Meet Vin Vara – Bira’s formal National President and independent hardware business owner of the Tool Shop Group.
More