Fallout from the "unwelcome" Budget, including business rates rises and delayed action on low-value imports, plus ongoing challenges including illicit shops and Black Friday, are among the areas of focus for Bira this month.

Read the latest update from Andrew Goodacre, CEO

 

Hello,

There are a number of areas of focus for Bira this month.

  • October and November have been dominated by the Budget. The build-up to this fiscal event has been damaging to our sector. All the PR about the budget has been negative and clearly undermined consumer confidence and consumer expenditure.
  • As for the Budget itself – not much good news for members:
    • Business rates will rise by 15% for many.
    • National living wage is up 4.1%.
    • No intention to charge duty on low-value imports for another four years.
    • Current Bira President and Managing Partner of Philip Morris & Sons John Jones talks through the relevant areas of the Budget and it's potential impact on high street businesses with me in our latest podcast. You can watch or listen to that here.


Despite all that, we have to continue to support our members as best we can.

  • One positive was the extra relief that has been provided to retailers experiencing large increases in business rates. Bira was the only organisation that asked specifically for this support, and that is why the rates increases are 15%. Without this extra support it would have been so much more.
  • Other areas of focus have been the ongoing battle against retail crime with the growing problem of illicit shops, the challenge of Black Friday for independents, plus the ongoing need to invest in our high streets.

 

Thank you.

Andrew

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
 

Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament

Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.

Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:

  • Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
  • Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
  • Fighting for fairer business rates
  • Overall reducing the regulatory burden
  • £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
Learn more about our advocacy efforts
 

Catch up on key industry insights with podcast episodes available now

High Street Matters will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve.

We’re talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.

Listen to the series, available now.

High Street Matters podcast
 

Latest Resources