Resources

Exclusively Housewares

Exclusively Housewares and Exclusively Electrical have become the focus of the year for housewares, table top and small domestic appliances exhibitors to showcase new products.

Salisbury “is open for business”

Retailers in Salisbury are insistent that they are open for business despite the nerve agent outrage on 4 March that left three people fighting for their lives and parts of The Maltings retail centre cordoned off.

Don’t ignore the cyber security risk

Most retailers go to great lengths to protect their customers in their shop, but have you considered protecting your customers digitally?

Dulux Colour of the Year

Colour is the most powerful form of non-verbal communication and yet we often overlook its ability to attract customers into store, make them stay for longer and spend more money.

New wage rates apply from 1 April

The latest levels for the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage took effect on 1 April. We list here how the officially sanctioned wage rates have changed in the past dozen years or so.

Brushing away the dust to find the hidden gold

Scotland’s oldest bespoke tailor, Stewart Christie in Queen Street, Edinburgh, is being revived and renewed under its new owners, Vixy Rae and Dan Fearn.

Celebrations at Essentials

The National Charity Autism at Kingwood received a donation of £1,000 from the finale of the year-long celebration for the 30th anniversary of Essentials of Hazlemere on 30 January.

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.

Vin Vara presents his favourite photographic highlights from his two-year presidency

Vin Vara has been a busy man during his two years as bira national president. As he prepares to hand over the chain of office on 10 May, he looks back over a hectic 24 months.

4 layout and product positioning tips to help you drive sales in your retail store

When was the last time you made a major change in your store layout or design? If you answered “last year” or “I can’t remember,” your store’s look and feel may be due for an upgrade.

A new legal entity for bira

As part of its commitment to remain as relevant as possible for its members, bira needs to update its legal status. For this reason, bira is proposing to follow the route taken by many other trade associations and become a company limited by guarantee (“Restructure”).

Join the retailing high-flyers

The Oxford Summer School (OSS) is delighted to announce that applications are now being accepted for Foundation retailTRUST scholarships.

Lucy Matthews has found plenty of ways to keep her family’s bookshops relevant and popular in the age of Amazon

In Carlisle and Keswick, Lucy Matthews has found plenty of ways to keep her family’s bookshops relevant and popular in the age of Amazon.

Member magazine – April 2018

How Lucy Matthews is writing the next chapter on her family’s book shops in Cumbria

17.5 pounds each in 175 days in celebration of Rainy Day Trust’s 175th birthday!

Alan Hawkins, Jeff Moody, and Vin Vara, bira President are undertaking a big challenge this year to support The Rainy Day Trust.

Transforming retail performance without breaking the bank

Kirsty Kean from retail transformation agency Visual Thinking shares her tips for transforming retail performance without breaking the bank

EuroCommerce Interchange Survey

The purpose of this survey is to collect our own independent data on how effective the Regulation has been for you and your business during the last 12 months for which you have full figures. By agreeing to participate in this survey, you will help protect those benefits by allowing us to present a clear picture of what is really happening across Europe.

Bank Holidays and Working Time Regulations

Employers need to think about the timing of the Easter bank holidays to ensure they do not find themselves falling foul of working time rules.

Another point of difference at The Baby Barn

Opening The Baby Bean coffee shop last autumn has improved the sales of the main product ranges at The Baby Barn, which Sue and Ian Dronfield set up in 1993. In the highly competitive world of pram and nursery retailing, it has given this destination store in the Warwickshire countryside another point of difference.

Join bira’s retail study tour

One of the world’s most inspiring and diverse cities for retailing, Paris is the destination for this summer’s bira retail study tour. From 14 – 18 October, the visit will take in independent boutiques, behind-the-scene looks at top department stores, window shopping on wide boulevards.

Ian Firth bids farewell

As he steps down after 10 years of chairing bira’s legal and parliamentary affairs committee (LPAC), Ian Firth reflects on its work.

The art of visual merchandising

Retailing tactics The experience of shopping is highly visual. The right environment can influence the decisions shoppers make. Get it correct and you can entice potential customers in, sell them what they need and even sell them what they didn’t know they wanted.

What Making Tax Digital means for your business

Making Tax Digital is a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) initiative designed to use the latest technology to provide taxpayers with a streamlined system to store all tax information in one online place.

Let’s preserve our retail diversity

CEO Alan Hawkins applauds the variety across bira’s membership but bira’s work is never done. We are determined to continue to shout from the rooftops as the voice of independent retail.

Businesses hold the key to closing the cyber security perception gap

The Internet has transformed the way we live our lives and run our businesses. But with it has come a new – and fast-growing – type of crime. Miriam Wraight is Head of the Research Information and Communications Unit in the Home Office and leads HMG’s Cyber Aware campaign. She looks at how Industry and […]

What’s the mood for 2018?

We spoke to buyers and suppliers at Spring Fair (NEC, 4-8 February) to ask what the mood, footfall and takeaways have been from the event.

Employers, don’t be an April Fool!

Employment Law is always on the move, but more so at this time of year, so make sure you are familiar with all the changes coming up.

Your journey to GDPR compliance

By 25 May companies must be compliant with the new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). That deadline is fast approaching, so make sure you are travelling in the right direction.

It’s all about the service at Arragon’s Cycle Centre

When it comes to running an independent cycle shop, Sarah and Phil Graham pedal hard to keep business relevant to all types of customers at Arragon’s Cycle Centre in Penrith.

No let up in tough trade

The majority of bira members faced modest to significant pressure on their margins during October-December, with Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling contributing to the problems.

Better deals in new Harris tie-up

A three-way deal between bira direct, wholesaler Stax and quality paint brush and roller manufacturer Harris may result in even lower wholesale prices for bira members.

Use GDPR to improve customers’ trust in you

The imminent GDPR regulations may well encourage customers to have more trust and confidence to share their personal details with retailers.

Levelling up your customer service

Levelling up your customer service: 4 ways Customer service is a critical differentiating factor for indie retailers. In a world where consumers can buy almost anything online, you need to keep giving them a good reason to buy from you (instead doing shopping from their couch or visiting your competitors). One way of this is […]

Record year for bira bank

The UK’s only trade association bank, bira bank enjoyed another year of growth in 2017, breaking through the £10m barrier for lending for the first time in its 62-year history.

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.

Mike Abrahams has made Fairtrade, organic and healthy products the successful recipe at Wild Oats

Running a health food store for 37 years, Mike Abrahams has devoted himself to educating and advising customers on the benefits of healthy eating.

Member magazine – March 2018

Mike Abrahams has made Fairtrade, organic and healthy products the successful recipe at Wild Oats in Bristol

Snow and your staff

As the heavy snow causes widespread disruption across the UK, many people will be affected by the unsafe driving conditions, road closures, reduced or cancelled public transport and school closures.

Putting mental health on your agenda

One in four of us will experience poor mental health at some stage in our lives, so it’s likely that someone in your business is affected. Here are 7 points to consider when dealing with this topic.

3 key trends indie stores should pay attention to in 2018

While being aware of retail developments is essential, trying to keep up with every single trend or technology isn’t a practical strategy especially if you’re an independent retailer. So here are just the 3 main trends that indies need to use to their advantage in 2018.

More seating would attract the grey pound

Older people’s charity Anchor is urging retailers to provide more seating in shops for older customers. Its Standing Up 4 Sitting Down (SU4SD) campaign is concerned with inaccessible high streets, helping reduce older people’s loneliness, and improving their health and wellbeing.

Secure yourself against shop theft

Stealing from shops is on the increase, yet police say they do not have the resources to deal with the epidemic. It’s time to look after your own interests, with bira insurance’s help.

Winning ways with window displays

Mackays of Cambridge is hoping to secure a hat-trick of victories this year after coming top in the prestigious Toolbank “Real Deals” contest for the second year running in 2017.

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.

Act now to prevent “acid attacks”

Working with the Home Office, bira is encouraging members to sign up to a series of voluntary commitments regarding the sale of harmful corrosive products to help reduce the incidence of horrific “acid attacks”.

How will the 5p bag charge impact independent retailers?

An extension to the 5p bag charge is expected to be part of the Government’s plan to improve the environment, over the next 25 years.

GDPR deadline is near

By 25 May companies must be compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or risk a heavy fine. How ready are you?

How to prepare to sell your business

Handing your business on to your family might be in your plans, but if instead you are looking to sell it when the time is right, early planning is essential to ensure the best result.

New thinking is needed now

Have your say: How can independents win back the trust of consumers, who too often presume everything is going to be cheaper online than shopping locally, asks Injected, a seasoned hardware retailer in the south-east

Plastic bag levy to win bira’s backing

Independent retailers are expected to support the government’s desire to extend the 5p levy on plastic bags to small shops as well as major retailers, bira believes.

EuroCommerce Interchange Survey

The purpose of this survey is to collect our own independent data on how effective the Regulation has been for you and your business during the last 12 months for which you have full figures. By agreeing to participate in this survey, you will help protect those benefits by allowing us to present a clear picture of what is really happening across Europe.

National 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.

4 layout and product positioning tips to help you drive sales in your retail store

When was the last time you made a major change in your store layout or design? If you answered “last year” or “I can’t remember,” your store’s look and feel may be due for an upgrade.

17.5 pounds each in 175 days in celebration of Rainy Day Trust’s 175th birthday!

Alan Hawkins, Jeff Moody, and Vin Vara, bira President are undertaking a big challenge this year to support The Rainy Day Trust.

Bank Holidays and Working Time Regulations

Employers need to think about the timing of the Easter bank holidays to ensure they do not find themselves falling foul of working time rules.

Employers, don’t be an April Fool!

Employment Law is always on the move, but more so at this time of year, so make sure you are familiar with all the changes coming up.

Businesses hold the key to closing the cyber security perception gap

The Internet has transformed the way we live our lives and run our businesses. But with it has come a new – and fast-growing – type of crime. Miriam Wraight is Head of the Research Information and Communications Unit in the Home Office and leads HMG’s Cyber Aware campaign. She looks at how Industry and […]

Levelling up your customer service

Levelling up your customer service: 4 ways Customer service is a critical differentiating factor for indie retailers. In a world where consumers can buy almost anything online, you need to keep giving them a good reason to buy from you (instead doing shopping from their couch or visiting your competitors). One way of this is […]

Snow and your staff

As the heavy snow causes widespread disruption across the UK, many people will be affected by the unsafe driving conditions, road closures, reduced or cancelled public transport and school closures.

Putting mental health on your agenda

One in four of us will experience poor mental health at some stage in our lives, so it’s likely that someone in your business is affected. Here are 7 points to consider when dealing with this topic.

How will the 5p bag charge impact independent retailers?

An extension to the 5p bag charge is expected to be part of the Government’s plan to improve the environment, over the next 25 years.

3 key trends indie stores should pay attention to in 2018

While being aware of retail developments is essential, trying to keep up with every single trend or technology isn’t a practical strategy especially if you’re an independent retailer. So here are just the 3 main trends that indies need to use to their advantage in 2018.

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 – March 2017

Your guide to selling and using chemical products

Your guide to carrying cash

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

Member testimonial

Glasswells

Member testimonial

Rachel Riley

Member testimonial

Lords

Member testimonial