High Street Matters Podcast
Welcome to Bira's podcast; High Street Matters.
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.
Message to the New PM
Season 2 | Episode 7 - Message to the New PM: With the autumn Budget on the horizon, this episode is a clear message to Number 10: independent retailers deserve the same level of support as the businesses making headlines.
Listen to Season 2 so far
Ep01: Building Trust
Worried about negative reviews damaging your business? Think again. In this episode, discover how you can turn customer feedback into your secret weapon for growth.
Ep02: No Business Too Small
An increasingly harsh reality is that small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, and the "it won't happen to me" mentality can be dangerously costly.
Ep03: Autumn Statement Reaction
Andrew Goodacre and John Jones from Philip Morris & Son examine what the Government's promised "transformation" really means for independent retailers.
Ep04: Smart Retail Revolution
Many think AI is only for big chains with massive budgets and technical teams. But the truth is, AI tools are now accessible, affordable, and could be the key to helping small retailers compete.
Ep05: Pubs Yes, Retailers No
The team responds to the Government's January 2026 announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief while excluding independent retailers entirely.
Ep06: Playing Music in Your Shop
Did you know that there are around 60 different tariffs from PRS and PPL, and that retailers caught without a licence face a 50% premium on top of standard costs?
Ep07: Message to the New PM
With the autumn Budget on the horizon, this episode is a clear message to Number 10: independent retailers deserve the same level of support as the businesses making headlines.
Listen back to Season 1
Ep01: Exploring Retail Crime with Bira
The premiere Podcast of "High Street Matters" tackles the escalating retail crime crisis plaguing Britain's high streets.
Ep02: Accessibility - Unlocking the High Street
Bira's second High Street Matters podcast explores how prioritising accessibility can unlock new opportunities for retailers
Ep03: Election Special - What the High Street Needs from the Government
In this latest episode of High Street Matters by Bira, we dive into the pressing concerns of independent traders across the country.
Ep04: AI and Retail - Boost your social media output with AI
In this episode of High Street Matters we discuss ways small independent retailers can utilise AI.
Ep05: Local visibility to get your products noticed
In this episode of High Street Matters, discover how high street shops are making their inventory visible to online shoppers in real-time.
Ep06: Inside the Minds of Shop Thieves
Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime.
Ep07: Greening the High Street
Want to make your retail business more sustainable while boosting profits? Hear how independent retailers are successfully embracing eco-friendly practices without breaking the bank.
Ep08: Beyond Cars
Are low traffic neighbourhoods killing local businesses, or breathing new life into our high streets? This episode explores how reducing vehicle traffic is transforming shopping districts across Britain.
Ep09: Rights & Risks
Independent retailers are bracing for what employment law experts are calling a "tectonic shift" in workplace regulations. This crucial episode explores the sweeping changes.
Related News
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Bira warns new visitor levy risks squeezing high street spending
Bira has raised concerns that the government's new Overnight Visitor Levy could reduce the amount visitors spend on Britain's high streets.
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Independent retailers urge Chancellor to turn growth ambition into action on business rates
Bira has welcomed the Chancellor's growth ambitions but says independent retailers now need to see the benefit in their own cost base.
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Landmark independent retailer to reopen iconic sport branch
Independent retailer Hurleys is reviving its iconic Hurley Sport name with the reopening of a dedicated menswear store.
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High street warning as TG Jones store closures begin
Bira has cautiously welcomed a fall in recorded shoplifting offences, while warning that official figures likely understate the true scale of retail crime facing independent businesses.