Access expert support for your cookshop and houseware business.
Bira help thousands of retailers save hundreds of pounds each year and provide a host of benefits to members, including exclusive partnerships with plenty of leading suppliers such as Dexam, Amefa, Sodastream and more.
Members can also benefit from better rates on utilities and telecoms and exclusive discounts on intuitive ePOS systems and in-store music.
We've supported independent cookshop and houseware retailers for over 125 years and can help your business thrive on the high street.
Operating an independent cookshop or houseware store can be tough, particularly when facing competition from big-box chains and working within limited budgets.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you take full advantage of free marketing opportunities.
Find crucial information on:
- Leverging social media platforms
- Optimising your Google Business Profile
- Building partnerships in your community
- Creating valuable content
- ...and more
Resource Spotlight
Drop Shipping 101 - what it is, what pitfalls to look out for, and how it can become a transformative tool for an independent cookware retailer
This introductory guide can help you get a foothold into the world of drop shipping, discover the benefits and the drawbacks, and potentially get you started on creating a profitable income stream.
"As part of our Bira membership we get free access to Bira Legal and WorkNest. As an employer since the budget there have been massive employment law changes. They have given us free advice which has been highly valuable to the business."
"We've been using Bira Direct for nearly 19 years now - we can get exclusive discounts that only Bira members have access to."
- Martin Coles-Evans | Owner, Hargreaves & Sons - Members since 2006
Get access to our trusted Buying Group
Bira Direct buying group removes the headache of dealing with multiple suppliers and enables you to buy with the power of thousands of other independent retailers.
Gallagher Electracare
- Negotiated rates
- 30% seasonal stock increase
- £100,000 coverage included
- ...and more
Card Processing
- 3 months FREE terminal rental
- Money available next day
- No authorisation fees or monthly PCI Compliance Fees
Bira Legal
- Legal template documents
- Access to a team of solicitors
- Tax, VAT and HMRC advice, plus investigation protection
Utilities
- Lowest-cost quotations
- Dedicated account manager
- Exclusive rates
- Ongoing support
"The single biggest reason for an independent retailer to become a member is the services but Bira is also a lot more than that - it's like a mini head office for independent retailers."
- Surinder Josan | All Seasons DIY - Members since 1996
"Being a member of Bira has connected me to a range of fantastic, competitive and tailored, services as well as other like-minded retailers. A great comfort to an independent retailer!"
- Peter Motts | R E Thorns & Co - Members since 1981
Our members are our greatest advocates.
Hear more about what our cookshop members have to say about us.
Join Bira today!
This membership is perfect for any hardware & DIY retail business in the UK. Our proactive and practical trade association is focused on your success, so with your membership, you will get the following:
- Business Support and Advice
- Training and Development
- Advocacy and Representation
- Marketing and Promotion
- Information and Resources
Unlock extra benefits
- Supplier Discounts: Access to exclusive discounts from Bira Direct suppliers.
- Financial Advice: Access to expert financial advice on topics such as taxation, accounting, and business planning.
- Card Payment Solutions: Members can benefit from reduced rates on card payment processing, saving on transaction fees.
- Insurance: Special rates on business insurance tailored to the needs of independent retailers.
Latest Cookshop News
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Cycle traders back MPs' call to ban dangerous illegal e-bikes
The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) has welcomed the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking's report "Unregulated and Unsafe: The Threat of Illegal E-Bikes".
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Small Business Strategy Inquiry 2025
The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked Bira to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on the issues most important to them
Cookshop Resources
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Plastic Bag Charges: Free downloadable posters to use in your business
From the 21st of May all retailers will need to charge 10p for the use of single-use plastic carrier bags. Download your free posters to help you educate and engage your customers about the new charge.
An interview with long-term member Philip Morris based in Hereford on how they utilise their Bira membership, featuring Managing Partner John Jones and Store Manager Jim Davies.
"In the 80 years we've been Bira members we've enjoyed some incredible benefits, including insurance, legal and HR advice and the buying group Bira Direct."
Bira members since 1996, Surinder Josan of independent DIY store All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, discusses independent retail and how Bira has helped him along the way.
"The single biggest reason for an independent retailer to become a member is the services but Bira is also a lot more than that - it's like a mini head office for independent retailers."