Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Bira launches first multi-supplier app with SwiftCloud 

Bira launches first multi-supplier app with SwiftCloud 
Aman Shergill, CTO and James Clarkson, CEO of Adventoris SwiftCloud

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has launched its first ever multiple supplier app with leading Software as a Service (SaaS) provider, Adventoris, on its SwiftCloud platform.

The app, also a first of its kind of SwiftCloud, will offer Bira customers the opportunity to shop from multiple suppliers within its membership in one location, including STAX, Draper Tools, LG Harris and many others.


SwiftCloud is a customisable B2B mobile app platform designed specifically for distributors and wholesalers that enables their customers to see products, communicate with the company and make orders 24/7.

Established in 1899, Bira is the leading trade association for independent retailers in the UK and works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes.

“This was a really ambitious project for us and I am thrilled with the results that our team has produced," said CEO of Adventoris, James Clarkson.

Swiftcloud

“We have had incredible success creating single shop apps for our clients but our work with Bira heralds a new era of opportunity for us, allowing us to offer a B2B shopping experience that combines a range of suppliers and offering that seamlessly to the customer despite the administrative complexities.”

Jeff Moody, Bira’s commercial director, said: “We have already onboarded our largest brands to the SwiftCloud portal, covering DIY, hardware, housewares and cookware with brands such as Toolstream, Dulux, JVL, Dexam, Eddingtons and many other household names.

“We’re adding brands monthly and have already had over 450 members register on the portal.

“Having the ability to have the full Bira family under one roof for our members to shop from will be invaluable and help to showcase the variety and quality of Bira suppliers.”

Adventoris now boasts over 200 clients across a range of industries, with a turnover of £2m.

More for you

Sybren Attema, and Betty Eekchaut

Presidents Sybren Attema, FrieslandCampina, and Betty Eekchaut, Milcobel

Yazoo parent FrieslandCampina announces merger with Belgian rival Milcobel

Dutch dairy collective FrieslandCampina has agreed to merge with smaller Belgian rival Milcobel, creating a leading dairy cooperative.

FrieslandCampina, whose brands include Yazoo and Chocomel, said the merger will provide the foundation for a future-oriented organisation that has dairy front and centre for member dairy farmers, employees, consumers, and customers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Retail Shoplifting. Man Stealing In Supermarket
Photo: iStock

Home Office reaffirms commitment to abolish £200 shoplifting threshold

The UK government has pledged stronger measures to combat anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which it acknowledges as serious crimes that disrupt communities and harm businesses.

Addressing a House of Lords debate on Monday, Home Office minister Lord Hanson detailed plans to abolish the controversial £200 shoplifting threshold and to introduce a new offence for assaults on retail workers.

Keep ReadingShow less
post office store
Photo: Post Office Ltd

Post Office launches wellbeing hub to support postmasters amid rising retail crime

In response to the mounting pressures faced by postmasters across the UK, the Post Office has unveiled a centralised wellbeing platform aimed at simplifying access to support resources.

Post Office said the surge in shoplifting and violent incidents, documented in the 2024 ACS Crime Report, has only intensified the demand for comprehensive support.

Keep ReadingShow less
Independent retailers face mixed outlook for 2025 – Bira
iStock

Independent retailers face mixed outlook for 2025 – Bira

Independent retailers have weathered one of their most challenging years in 2024, with multiple headwinds affecting the sector, according to the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).

With pressures mounting throughout the year, independent retailers have faced an increasingly difficult trading environment marked by changing consumer behaviour and economic uncertainties.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bottle of Perrier mineral water
Photo: iStock

Nestlé Waters faces Perrier production stoppage over contamination concerns

Nestlé Waters is facing a potential halt to its production of the iconic Perrier mineral water in southern France due to health risks, French media reported.

A confidential report published by French newspaper Le Monde and Radio France revealed that health authorities are recommending a production stoppage due to concerns over the sanitary quality of the water source.

Keep ReadingShow less