A roundtable with the Chancellor, retail crime inroads and local car parking issues are among the areas of focus for Bira this month.

Read the latest update from Andrew Goodacre, CEO

 

Hello,

At the start of the year our focus was fully on the issue of business rates and the fallout from the Budget. More support was announced for pubs - a decision that frustrated me and our members. Our members face all the same challenges as pubs, plus we have to compete with online giants and huge amounts of retail crime. The decision not to support retail more was ill-judged, and we will continue to push for more support.

As a result of the criticism of the new business rates system, the Chancellor announced a new strategy for high streets. I am pleased to say that I met with the Chancellor last week as part of the first discussions regarding this strategy. The fact that Bira was invited is evidence that Bira is respected for its opinions on high streets and the businesses located on these high streets. It was a good discussion with a focus on planning reform, low value imports and the need to reduce the cost burden on businesses.

Other areas of focus have been retail crime. Progress has been made, with recent national surveys showing a reduction in incidents and better responses by police forces throughout the UK. However, this still remains an important issue for members.

Finally, I have also been working with a couple of members on local car parking issues. Local authorities must learn that the provision of affordable and accessible car parking is important to the success of local high streets that do not benefit from public transport infrastructure. We use these local examples to raise the issue with central government.

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
 

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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.

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