Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders. Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
This months activity...
- Meeting with the Business Minister to discuss high street challenges and support for indie retailers, with hopes for concrete action.
- Ongoing talks with the Treasury about business rate reforms, advocating for better relief for small retailers.
- Retail crime remains a major concern, with stolen goods now exceeding £2 billion annually and adding £133 to the average shopping bill.
- Engagement with the Law Commission to push for reforms to the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act, aiming to strengthen tenant security in commercial leases.
Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.
Click on the topics below to find out our latest activity in each area
Join to support Bira
You can support our continued efforts by joining our community for just £17/mo and in return you can benefit from a wider range of support and services aimed to help businesses to flourish.
Our Latest News
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Retail sales growth cautiously welcomed by Bira, with calls for continued support
Bira has warned that independent high street shops are facing a "perfect storm" of declining in-store sales and rising costs, despite modest overall growth in the retail sector.
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High street 'death knell' - indie retailers shutting doors ahead of April tax rises
Towns and cities across Britain are already witnessing a wave of closures as independent businesses shut their doors ahead of April's triple tax burden, Bira has warned.
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Retra Launches 100% Digital Retra Alert Magazine
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre will take part in a panel debate at this week’s Farm Retail Association (FRA) Conference 2025.
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Farm Retail Conference to host Bira CEO as part of debate panel
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre will take part in a panel debate at this week’s Farm Retail Association (FRA) Conference 2025.