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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.
A definite Maybe* deal
Maybe* helps retailers see results from social media and it is now offering a free trial for all Bira members. Polly Barnfield OBE, founder of Maybe*, explains the service.
ViewEarly adopters
Philip Morris & Sons’ two shops in Hereford may look very traditional but the firm has been trading successfully online for almost 20 years. Managing partner John Jones tells Bira what it was like to run his business at the start of the ecommerce boom.
ViewThe changing face of the high street
As the high street evolves due to consumer needs, retailers have learned to reinvent themselves. Those fastest to adapt to trends are most likely to thrive.
MoreAre you ready for the new rules on payments?
With payments technology evolving at a fast pace, we ask industry experts about the major changes that will affect independent retailers and how to prepare for them.
ViewHow should members prepare for Brexit?
The government has provided some general guidance for retail on what to expect after 31 October. Some points require action now, whether we end up with a deal or no-deal Brexit.
More9 essential pages every indie retail website needs
Customers have certain expectations when it comes to visiting a website, and it’s up to retailers to offer an easy way for users to navigate the site.
MoreHow to create powerful customer loyalty
How can independents compete with big stores like Boots and Amazon? We explore how small businesses can effectively keep their customer base coming back and what not to do when creating a loyalty scheme.
MoreHow should employers respond to sexual harassment complaints?
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers may be held vicariously liable for acts of discrimination, harassment and victimisation carried out by employees in the course of their employment, unless you can demonstrate that you took all reasonable steps to prevent it occurring. It’s therefore imperative to take a firm stance against any behaviour that oversteps […]
ViewIntroducing the RMM for the South and South-West
The RMM for the south and south-west is Gary Mitchell, who lives in a small village in Somerset between Glastonbury and Bridgwater. He has been with Bira since 2017.
ViewDoing it by the book
The quiet village of St Boswells in the Scottish Borders is an unlikely location for the country’s Best Small Shop. Rosamund and Bill de la Hey prove that with the right concept, an independent business can become a brand and a destination.
ViewWhen less is definitely NOT more
Under insurance investigation for SME’s is so serious that experts estimate as many as 35% are not insured for the full value. SMEs are self-insuring without realising it.
MoreGifting businesses struggle with what to say on social media
Maybe* listened to the online conversations created by and about online gifting retailers to see how they are using Facebook and Twitter to engage their audience, increase brand awareness and drive positive sentiment.
MoreWhy entering awards is worth your while
Awards are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business. Not only can they encourage more footfall to your shop but they can also lead to greater exposure in the media and on social media.
MorePCI DSS compliance: are you paying more than you need to?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a worldwide mandate that was introduced to assist businesses with card payment processing security and to reduce fraudulent activity.
MoreWhy benchmarking is critical for every independent retail business
For many small businesses, understanding the impact of their social media efforts is challenging. Are their results in line with their sector, with their competitors, with other independent retail businesses? Without the context of performance measurement, it’s impossible to know.
MorePayments Toolkit – Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)
New payment legislation coming into force this September could mean you’re left in an uncomfortable situation of dealing with declined card transactions. Read this guide to find out why this is happening so you can reassure your customers and spare them any embarrassment.
More4 powerful free marketing tactics to boost your business
How can you attract more customers to your store or website on a tiny marketing budget? The answer is to get creative with your marketing to achieve maximum impact for minimum cost.
MoreEnhance consumers experience with quieter technology
Long term excessive day to day noise can result in an increase to our stress levels, affect our sleep patterns and daily routines. Sound effects our brain waves, heart rate, breathing, hormone secretion and all our physical rhythms. Technology dependency depletes us and has to be balanced out, this where the search for quietness begins. […]
MoreManaging employees: how to have a stress-free summer
We’re beginning to enjoy the start of the summer weather – but as an employer, you may be anxious about the chaos that this time of year can bring.
ViewAt the heart of government
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre believes the consistent work the association does in lobbying the lawmakers in Westminster on behalf of independent retailers is among the most valuable service it provides to its members. Here he provides an update to live issues.
ViewHints 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.
Download4 proven ways to drive foot traffic to your retail store
We’ll explore the many ways to increase foot traffic in your retail business. Go through the tips and examples and see if you can apply them to your marketing efforts.
ViewLone Working – Reducing the risks for your businesses
Employers who don’t take steps to reduce the risks associated with their employees working alone will be breaking the law.
MoreIs now the best time to start a coffee shop?
Is now the best time to start a coffee shop? The current growth in the UK coffee market suggests so. Here, Stewarts of Trent Bridge guides us through their journey so far.
ViewHow to choose the right inventory management system for your retail store
If you’re looking to level up your store’s inventory management practices, follow these tips for selecting the right stock control solution for your business.
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.
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.
MoreThe changing face of the high street
As the high street evolves due to consumer needs, retailers have learned to reinvent themselves. Those fastest to adapt to trends are most likely to thrive.
More9 essential pages every indie retail website needs
Customers have certain expectations when it comes to visiting a website, and it’s up to retailers to offer an easy way for users to navigate the site.
MoreHow to create powerful customer loyalty
How can independents compete with big stores like Boots and Amazon? We explore how small businesses can effectively keep their customer base coming back and what not to do when creating a loyalty scheme.
MoreWhen less is definitely NOT more
Under insurance investigation for SME’s is so serious that experts estimate as many as 35% are not insured for the full value. SMEs are self-insuring without realising it.
MoreGifting businesses struggle with what to say on social media
Maybe* listened to the online conversations created by and about online gifting retailers to see how they are using Facebook and Twitter to engage their audience, increase brand awareness and drive positive sentiment.
MoreWhy entering awards is worth your while
Awards are a fantastic opportunity to promote your business. Not only can they encourage more footfall to your shop but they can also lead to greater exposure in the media and on social media.
MorePCI DSS compliance: are you paying more than you need to?
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a worldwide mandate that was introduced to assist businesses with card payment processing security and to reduce fraudulent activity.
MoreWhy benchmarking is critical for every independent retail business
For many small businesses, understanding the impact of their social media efforts is challenging. Are their results in line with their sector, with their competitors, with other independent retail businesses? Without the context of performance measurement, it’s impossible to know.
MorePayments Toolkit – Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)
New payment legislation coming into force this September could mean you’re left in an uncomfortable situation of dealing with declined card transactions. Read this guide to find out why this is happening so you can reassure your customers and spare them any embarrassment.
More4 powerful free marketing tactics to boost your business
How can you attract more customers to your store or website on a tiny marketing budget? The answer is to get creative with your marketing to achieve maximum impact for minimum cost.
MoreAccept 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.
DownloadHints 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.
DownloadHow 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.
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.
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