Search
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.
Increase your profit margins
Profit margins in the retail sector are often tight. Here London-based Cottons Chartered Accountants suggest eight ways to increase your bottom line.
ViewDaring to be different
Some independents take a long time to open a second shop. Many never bother. Holly Wilson decided to do it the hard way by taking over a long-established business only two years after opening her first shop.
ViewAt the sharp end
BIRA HAS WORKED with the Home Office for several years to help tackle knife crime but also to protect the rights of retailers who legitimately sell everyday sharp objects.
ViewAre you ready for Making Tax Digital?
A CARTOON CHARACTER called Dexter the Digital Tax Advisor has been introduced by Xero as the face of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, the biggest change to tax in decades.
ViewTop 8 predictions for mobile technology in 2019
Online and mobile technologies shaped the success of many businesses and industries last year. As a result of this shift, 2018 was undeniably a year of change with many businesses choosing to focus on improving their customer experience.
MoreSoothing sounds for quiet living
We’ve teamed up with Quiet Mark to raise awareness and lower all the noise. Because, according to a recent survey, 6 out of 10 consumers are looking for quieter appliances, and that feels very much like a trend.
ViewDogged devotion to style at Mungo and Maud
When Nicola and Michael Sacher could not find dog products to suit their own home, they started a business that now serves the cream of department stores around the globe. Welcome to the stylish world of Mungo & Maud.
ViewReviewing GDPR
The most important change in data privacy regulation in 20 years, the General Data Protection Regulation came into force on 25 May last year. Here Andrew Hartshorn of law firm Shakespeare Martineau reviews the first six months of GDPR activity.
ViewMake the most of what’s yours in 2019
Are you claiming all you can from government, asks bira CEO Andrew Goodacre.
ViewWeather-proofing your pocket
Winter weather throws everything at us – wind, rain, snow, ice & floods. Reduce the risk of financial loss to your business by carrying out basic checks.
More5 action steps to set up your retail business for success in 2019
Before you jump into “business as usual” for 2019, take time to set up new systems, and take steps that will establish the foundation of your success in the next 12 months and beyond.
MorePlastic carrier bags: Gove sets out new measures to extend charge
Government launches consultation to extend the 5p plastic bag charge to all retailers and increase the charge to 10p.
More2019 Important HR and Employment Law Changes
What can employers expect in 2019? It is set to be another busy year for HR and Employment Law.
MoreYour 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.
DownloadMaking Tax Digital – action needed!
Recent research by software provider Intuit QuickBooks revealed that 41% of business owners in the UK have never heard about Making Tax Digital (MTD) and of those who had, 76% are finding it difficult to understand how it would affect them. Jo Nockels from TaxAssist Accountants answers your questions.
ViewPutting on a confident show
Have rumours about the death of the department store been exaggerated? From York, Nicholas Brown runs four stores that show where the big guys have gone wrong.
ViewChristmas FAQ for Employers
Read our FAQs to obtain important answers to your HR & Employment Law questions.
More2018 HR and Employment Law Changes
Ellis Whittam, the experts behind the bira legal service, take a closer look at some of the most significant events that have occurred throughout 2018.
MoreMade to last knives, in made to recycle packaging
Taylor’s Eye Witness next goal is to achieve fully (and easily) recyclable packageing across its entire range and a reduction in packaging volume where possible.
ViewSeasonal increase in stock value – we’ve got it covered
In the run up to Christmas and bank holidays, you’ll no doubt need to increase your stock for these periods. bira insurance has a policy that covers bira members.
MoreWhat’s the future of retail, today, tomorrow and thereafter?
The needs and demands of customers are changing faster than ever before. This raises plenty of questions for independent retailers.
ViewOptimism is my strategy for 2019
Whether the weather behaves itself or not next year, Nicky Naque is ready for anything with a streamlined offer, more staff and a keen nose for interesting products
ViewSustainability and timeless style for the kitchen
Our campaign for Autumn and Winter has sustainability at its heart. From food waste to plastic, people are taking a more considered approach to what and how they consume.
ViewMaking your start up a success
Figures suggest that setting up and running your own business has never been more popular. Textlocal can help you get started.
MoreOptimal cleaning and minimal environmental impact with increased footfall
Bona, the Swedish wood floor specialist, has always been committed to producing products that make minimal impact on the environment.
ViewNaturally stylish products for eco-conscious consumers
At this moment in time, we’re experiencing a growing trend in eco-friendly gifts. Of course, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise with the focus on the impact we are all having on the environment being ever-present in the news.
ViewInnovation has always been at the heart of Draper Tools
The latest generation of Draper Storm Force cordless tools offers 20 volts of power and 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah lithium batteries at a competitive price; all the tools in this range really are fantastic value for money.
ViewHave you considered your flood recovery plan?
At bira insurance, our focus is to keep you in business. We have helped retailers stay afloat when extreme weather events have damaged their business.
MoreOnline shopping and the future
Has the pace of change in shopping habits ever been faster? We doubt it. To find out more about what’s next, bira attended Tech, a recent retail technology event.
ViewCookware that makes an impact
Consumers want their pans to enhance the look of their kitchen, and nothing beats the look of copper.
ViewThis season is all about sustainability
Eating seasonally, making the most of the food we buy, reducing food waste and plastic packaging is a subject many of us increasingly care about. This is why the focus of bira direct supplier Le Creuset’s Autumn/Winter 2018 campaign is ‘Food Unearthed’.
ViewEnabling business growth
At bira bank we are all about supporting our members to run their business as efficiently and profitably as possible. It’s what’s guided us for all these years. And our new equipment loans follow these basic principles, aiming to relieve much of the finance pressure.
MoreManaging 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.
DownloadPartners in style
Richard and Elaine Graham had a simple ambition when they set about repositioning the family business – they wanted to create a relaxed store where they would want to shop and eat.
ViewReboot for Suffolk fashion shop
After trading as Déjà Vu Boutique for six years on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk, owner Mandy Errington has reinvented her fashion enterprise
ViewCEO Andrew Goodacre is impressed by bira’s innovative high achievers
It is always great to celebrate success and recognise some of the best achievements in our business.
ViewThe ‘One Reset’ independent retailers need to protect themselves against cyber criminals
More and more business is now done online but all too often companies neglect their online security. The good news is that it’s simple to take action to help protect yourself – and your retail business – online.
MoreDon’t mention the B word!
At 11pm on Friday March 29 2019, the UK is scheduled to leave the European Union. As the negotiations drag on, what effect, if any, is this saga having on retail? We decided to ask members for their thoughts.
ViewCash, cards, mobile devices: there’s a lot of choice out there!
In his second feature on payments, Paul Rodgers, chairman of payments organisation Vendorcom, brings us up-to-date with the pros and cons of what is available now
Viewbira insurance FAQ’s
Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions on the bira business insurance scheme, designed and delivered by Towergate and uniquely available for bira members.
MoreParliamentary privilege
After two years of preparation, bira’s proposal for rates reform to bring immediate benefit to most independent retail businesses was launched in the Houses of Parliament. The fight goes on…
View8 common types of customers in retail
Understanding your customer and tailoring your sales approach is essential. Here are the most common types of retail customers and how to sell to them.
MoreRevitalising Lakeland Leather
Four years into a company turnaround, Martin Foster, CEO of Lakeland Leather, believes in shops, selling online, wholesaling and asking customers to invest financially in the company.
ViewMaking Tax Digital – How will it affect your business?
With less than a year to go, bira approved service partners, TaxAssist highlight what you need to know about Making Tax Digital for Business.
MorePushing the indie agenda in Harrogate
The shop vacancy rate in Harrogate is about 7.7%, well below the national average of around 12.5%, but bira member William Woods sees no reason to be complacent about the health of the independent sector in the Yorkshire spa town.
View“It’s though the tap has been turned off.”
Des Count, our man in the gift shop, is fast losing his sense of humour thanks to business rates, mad local councils and a government that doesn’t care about independent retailers
ViewContact your MP to drive rates reform plan
bira members are being urged to contact their own MPs to highlight the pressures independent retail businesses are under, especially from business rates.
ViewOur charitable champions visit Uganda
Marcia Dale and Kevin Bellwood, bira’s Charitable Champions of 2018, spent 10 days this summer visiting South Sudanese orphans and former street children at a centre in Kampala, Uganda that they support.
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.
MoreTop 8 predictions for mobile technology in 2019
Online and mobile technologies shaped the success of many businesses and industries last year. As a result of this shift, 2018 was undeniably a year of change with many businesses choosing to focus on improving their customer experience.
More5 action steps to set up your retail business for success in 2019
Before you jump into “business as usual” for 2019, take time to set up new systems, and take steps that will establish the foundation of your success in the next 12 months and beyond.
MoreWeather-proofing your pocket
Winter weather throws everything at us – wind, rain, snow, ice & floods. Reduce the risk of financial loss to your business by carrying out basic checks.
MorePlastic carrier bags: Gove sets out new measures to extend charge
Government launches consultation to extend the 5p plastic bag charge to all retailers and increase the charge to 10p.
More2019 Important HR and Employment Law Changes
What can employers expect in 2019? It is set to be another busy year for HR and Employment Law.
More2018 HR and Employment Law Changes
Ellis Whittam, the experts behind the bira legal service, take a closer look at some of the most significant events that have occurred throughout 2018.
MoreChristmas FAQ for Employers
Read our FAQs to obtain important answers to your HR & Employment Law questions.
MoreSeasonal increase in stock value – we’ve got it covered
In the run up to Christmas and bank holidays, you’ll no doubt need to increase your stock for these periods. bira insurance has a policy that covers bira members.
MoreMaking your start up a success
Figures suggest that setting up and running your own business has never been more popular. Textlocal can help you get started.
MoreHave you considered your flood recovery plan?
At bira insurance, our focus is to keep you in business. We have helped retailers stay afloat when extreme weather events have damaged their business.
MoreYour 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.
DownloadNavigating the financial landscape
Financial planning responds to seasonal changes. Wren Sterling offers insight on how to navigate the financial landscape.
DownloadSMEs 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
DownloadThe 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.
DownloadYour guide to the General Data Protection Regulation
The way in which personal data is used and protected is set to change in May 2018.
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.
More