Help your electrical retail business grow with Bira and Retra.
Bira, together with leading trade association Retra, offer a wealth of key benefits to your independent electrical retail business.
Since 1942, Retra has been the voice for independent electrical retailers and service agents across the UK, helping to drive businesses forward. Bira is a dedicated advocate for the electrical retail sector, engaging with government bodies to ensure favourable policies for independent businesses.
With dedicated coverage of the sector, coupled with industry leading service partners and a voice in Parliament, there's so many ways Bira and Retra can help your high street shop.
Retra Alert – Your Exclusive Member Magazine
Now 100% digital and accessible across all your devices, the new Alert Magazine is packed full of essential industry news and valuable insight, including the latest expert reports on our lobbying activities and the critical developments that impact your business.
Sign up today and get full access to all issues.
From the editor this month:
"The recent announcement that Beales department store will close its doors after 143 years sends shock waves through British retail. When a business that has survived two world wars and countless economic cycles finally says "enough," we must take notice. The challenges cited by Beales – increased National Insurance contributions, rising minimum wage costs, and the looming reduction in business rates relief – are precisely the issues Retra, part of Bira Group, has been highlighting in our conversations with government. Yet despite these headwinds, I remain optimistic about the future of independent electrical retail."
Resource Spotlight
Get to know key changes in regulations around importing goods from the EU to the UK that could impact your electrical retail business
Changes to requirements for businesses importing goods from the EU to Great Britain, involving the submission of a 'safety and security declaration', mean retailers stocking white goods shipped from mainland Europe may have to take steps to be compliant...
Related Electrical News
"We proactively welcome the WEEE regulations to online marketplaces, demand clarity on new regulations such as those for tumble dryers and highlight the importance of appliance registrations. We are pushing for stronger business rates reform to better support smaller retailers. On employment rights, we seek a fair balance to prevent undue costs for businesses. Additionally, we’re working to address the flood of duty-free small packages, which harm high street sales. While we don’t typically back tariffs, action is needed.
"Through our relentless advocacy, it’s our aim to ensure that independent electrical retailers have a strong voice in shaping fair and sustainable policies for retail.
Jeff Moody | Director of Retra
Advocacy for electrical indies and benefits that make a difference to you
Bira ensure independent electrical retailers have a strong voice in shaping fair policy, while also providing members with key benefits including bespoke insurance and compliant waste disposal.
Gallagher Electracare
- Negotiated rates for Retra Members
- 30% Seasonal Stock Increase over 4 months – January, October, November and December
- £100,000 for Contents, Fixtures and Fittings included as standard if requested
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
- No monthly PCI Compliance Fees (Non-Compliance Fees still apply)
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
- Employment contracts
- Employee handbooks
- H&S templates
- Training webcasts
- plus much more
"I would like to say over the years how impressed I have been with Retra. The information I have received has always been relevant to my firm and on occasion has helped align my firm to new regulation."
- George Jean | Jeans Electrical
"Retra is the only trade body I believe that truly understands the intricacies of running a consumer electronics retail business. Being a member of Retra is not a cost it’s an investment. I would highly recommend!"
- Lance Hopley | Potters Home Digital
Our members are our greatest advocates.
Hear more about what our hardware members have to say about us.
Join Retra & Bira today!
This membership is perfect for any electrical 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
- Networking & Connections
- Advocacy and Representation
- Marketing and Promotion
- Information and Resources
Unlock extra benefits
- 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.
- Gallagher Insurance: Featuring negotiated rates for members. Find out more here.
- ...and much more: Including rental services, connected ePOS systems and review management.
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."