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The Fashion and Accessories trade association, formerly known as the Fashion Association of Britain (FAB) is a division of Bira, with a rich heritage dating back to British Shops and Stores Association, the Menswear Association of Britain (MAB), right back to the Drapers Chamber of Trade of Great Britain and Ireland (DCT) as it was first known.
Bira is dedicated to independent fashion retail businesses, offering essential business services, networking opportunities and support to an eclectic mix of businesses from ground-breaking start-ups to knowledgeable family-owned businesses.
Since 1899, we’ve supported the industry and are proud to be able to offer you with member benefits to save you time and money.
Product offers through our own buying group, Bira Direct, with over 200 suppliers and over 2000 associated products+
Access product offers, lower minimum order quantities and improved buying terms with over 200 suppliers including Eco Chic, Arora Design, JML and more. With a one-off account opening through Bira Direct, you’ll be able to order from different suppliers without lengthy applications. And when it comes to invoicing, we’ll summarise all your orders in one simple invoice. All you need is a Bira membership number. On average our members can save over £1,500 per year when buying stock through Bira Direct!
Discover Bira Direct Suppliers’ ranges of fashion accessories including scarves, jewellery, bags, winter warms and more. Get specially negotiated terms and 30 days end of month credit through Bira membership. Shop fashion accessories
BDiversify your product range with the latest products in giftware. The Bira Direct giftware supplier base has grown by over 50 suppliers in the last year providing preferential terms on unique gift products. Shop gifts and giftware
Whether you’re a small independent business or a multiple, Bira Direct provides you with specially negotiated terms on products for your business, from coffee machines to light fittings, cleaning products and more. Shop products for your business
We’ve negotiated special terms with a huge range of carefully selected suppliers across over 80 product areas. Take a look at product trends, promotions and rebates across the latest products in your industry. Explore Bira Direct Product Suppliers.
Unlimited legal advice over the phone or email+
Unlimited legal advice is available for Bira members – call or email as many times as you need. By following their advice you’ll also be covered by £50,000 indemnity cover should you need it. There’s no set up involved, as soon as you’ve signed up to Bira you can start using the phone and email line to give you extra confidence that you’re dealing with legal matters like disciplinaries, grievances and flexible working requests to name a few.
You’ll also have access to templates including a Contract of Employment and an Employee Handbook via the online portal.
Explore Bira Legal
Preferential card processing rates with Global Payments+
With rates as low as 0.890% and no authorisation, joining or setup fees, independent businesses will find it hard to beat the preferential Bira rates. While other providers could have lower rates, monthly fees can easily add up to much more over the year so it’s important to check all charges including terminal rental fees – with membership you’ll have three months free rental if you’re new to Global Payments and pay £12.95 +vat per month.
Accept payments on the go with Mobile Pay by Global Payments. Turn your Android of iOS device into a payment terminal and business tool with a single point-of-sale app. Provide convenient, simple and secure transactions to your on the go customers. Find out more here
Preferential business banking rates with HSBC+
We’ve negotiated rates that are 30% cheaper than HSBC’s standard small business tariff*, with free banking for new HSBC customers and no transaction charges too. Plus, by using the card processing service through Bira, you’ll benefit from next day crediting making it easier to manage your cash flow on a daily basis.
Get preferential rates on business banking
*Non-member cost per annum £1,394, member cost £639. Saving assumes total turnover of £250,000 per annum based on a typical Bira member profile.
Business insurance policy with retail-specific enhancements included+
We’ve worked closely with Towergate Insurance, the team behind Bira Insurance, to offer an insurance policy that includes:
- Protecting you from financial loss resulting from interruption to your business
- Protecting your property
- Protecting you from allegations of negligence
- Protecting you against theft
- Supporting you in legal disputes
- Protecting your stock in the open
And that’s not all! All Bira Insurance quotes are run through our comprehensive panel of insurers. If any insurers on the panel offer a lower cost than the Bira policy, we will match the price whilst retaining all the enhanced covers whilst keeping the quote open fore 30 days. ***
Send an enquiry Get a quick quote
*** Price matching is only available when you speak to the Bira Insurance team at Towergate over the phone. You may be asked to supply your current provider’s quotation before being offered a price matching quote. This is only available on “like for like” business insurance cover from A-Rated insurers.