What can Bira do for your hardware business?
Through the collective strength of thousands of retail businesses, our members save hundreds of pounds every year. Our trusted buying group provides exclusive access to leading hardware suppliers, including Stax, L.G. Harris, Draper Tools and hundreds more.
Members also gain access to preferential card processing and utilities rates, free legal advice and discounts on services such as customer review management.
Since 1899 we've supported over three thousand independent hardware and DIY retail businesses.
Running an independent hardware business can be challenging, especially when competing with bigbox retailers and managing tight budgets.
This detailed guide will help you make the most 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
Understanding the updated EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) for Hardware & DIY
From December 2024, guidelines on what can be sold in the EU and Northern Ireland have modernised existing rules in response to the rise of digital commerce. Here’s what you need to know…
Latest DIY & Hardware News
View more-
New standardised CCTV evidence template created to help police and shops better tackle retail crime
Independent retailers have weathered one of their most challenging years in 2024, with multiple headwinds affecting the sector, according to Bira.
-
List of most endangered high street shops reveals need to protect independents ‘more important than ever’
Over 130,000 independent high street businesses could be in danger of disappearing from UK high streets within the next 15 years if not properly supported, claims new analysis.
DIY & Hardware Resources
See all-
Understanding the updated EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) for Hardware & DIY
New guidelines on what can be sold in the EU and Northern Ireland have brought existing rules up-to-date with the rise of digital commerce. Here's what you need to know...
-
Why your independent business needs cyber and data insurance
With cyber crime a growing risk for independent businesses, getting protection from the potential damage that can be caused is more important that ever.
"Bira's product buying division, Bira Direct, is incredibly easy to use and one of the most useful aspects for me and our business is the up to date stock availability and the up to date pricing.
"Bira Direct also has an app which we've used regularly to help with our ordering, as well as a desktop version which is ideal for bigger orders."
- Jim Davis | Store Manager, Philip Morris & Son - 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.
Bira Insurance
- Trusted service provided by Ascott Insurance
- Exclusive premium rates for all members
- Covers vehicles, householders, healthcare, travel, exhibitions...even livestock! Plus much more
Card Processing
- Three months of free terminal rental to all Bira members*
- Money is available the next day to improve cash flow and become more agile
- No authorisation fees
Bira Legal
- Unlimited Tax, VAT and HMRC advice
- Legal template documents
- Access to a team of Solicitors and Tax Consultants
- Protection against Tax and VAT investigations
Utilities
- Lowest-cost quotations
- Dedicated account manager
- Exclusive rates
- Ongoing support
- plus much more
"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 hardware 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.
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."