Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Prioritise independent retail sector, Bira tells new Labour government

Prioritise independent retail sector, Bira tells new Labour government
Keir Starmer, leader of Britain's Labour party, reacts as he speaks at a reception to celebrate his win in the election, at Tate Modern, in London, Britain, July 5, 2024. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett
REUTERS

Following Labour's landslide victory in the general election, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), has urged the new government to make good on its promise of change by prioritising the revival of the independent retail sector and high streets across the UK.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has consistently campaigned for policies that support and nurture independent retailers.


GettyImages 1730509542Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

In light of the election result, the association has reiterated its key priorities for the new government:

  • Lower business rates for smaller retailers
  • Review of corporate tax to encourage more investment by smaller businesses
  • Continued investment in local high streets, addressing issues such as parking availability and cost
  • Increased focus on combating retail crime
  • Review of the cycle to work scheme to ensure retailers also benefit
  • A coordinated plan to reduce wastage in the retail sector
  • Review of regulations to prevent disproportionate impact on smaller retailers

Bira emphasised that these priorities are crucial for the survival and growth of independent retailers, which are the backbone of local economies and communities across the UK.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre 2Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre

“Congratulations to Labour on their landslide victory in the general election. The Labour party won on a mandate of delivering change and we urge the new government to deliver positive change for high streets and independent retailers,” Andrew Goodacre, Bira chief executive, said.

“We know there is a commitment to reforming business rates – that needs to happen at the earliest opportunity to protect high street businesses. We also need to see the commitment to investing in our town centres and local areas, where independent retailers play such a vital role in the local economy. We also hope that the nature of this election result boosts consumer confidence, resulting in economic growth.”

The association added that they stood ready to work with the new government to implement policies that will revitalise high streets and support the independent retail sector.

‘New government must stick to manifesto pledges’

Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK and chair of ICAEW’s Retail Group, said the new government must stick to its bold promises made to the retail sector and small businesses.

“While Labour have vowed to scrap the current business rates system, retailers are nervously awaiting the details on how the system will work in practice. As the biggest burden for the sector, retailers are banking on an effective overhaul that makes it fit for purpose once and for all,” Baker said.

“Labour’s vow to clampdown on anti-social behaviour against shop workers will go some way in providing reassurance to staff that they can feel safe at work. Crime is a growing and devastating issue in the sector, so strong measures that deter criminals and make a real difference are urgently needed.

“Looking ahead, with tax cuts feeding through to consumers’ pay packets, this should provide an uplift to spending as consumers start to feel better off. Plus, with interest rates expected to come down later this year, providing a boost to the property market, the retail sector should also benefit as consumers finally splash out on bigger ticket items for their new homes.”

More for you

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre

'Devastating and out of touch' – indies react to Budget bombshell

Following the initial response condemning the Budget as 'the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory' from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), members have shared their stark reactions to the triple burden of doubled business rates, increased National Insurance, and higher minimum wage costs.

Multiple retailers have calculated specific impacts on their businesses, with costs ranging from £90,000 to £150,000 per year.

"This budget was horrendous for us as a company. Estimated costs to be around £110,000 - £120,000 per year," said Andrew Massey of Masseys DIY in Swadlincote, Derbyshire.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brocks at Rockwell Green store

Brocks at Rockwell Green store

Christie & Co

'Popular' Somerset store on the market as long-term owners retire


Brocks at Rockwell Green, a Premier-branded convenience store near Wellington, Somerset is on the market as owners Simon and Rachel Brock are now looking to retire - after running the store for nearly 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds announced as new co-owners of Wrexham Lager

Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the oldest lager brewery still existing in Britain that has been brewing in Wales since 1882, has announced Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as new co-owners of the company alongside the Roberts family.

The acquisition was made by Red Dragon Ventures, a joint venture formed by The R.R. McReynolds Company, majority owner of Wrexham AFC, and the Allyn family of Skaneateles, New York. Red Dragon Ventures was created to drive growth in the Wrexham community and Wrexham AFC.

Keep ReadingShow less
Solar and wind power
iStock

Leading beverage brands join forces to accelerate renewable energy adoption

Ten global beverage companies have joined forces under a new industry-wide consortium, called REfresh Alliance, which is designed to help accelerate renewable energy adoption across the industry’s supply chain.

The new initiative invites additional companies from across the beverage industry to pool and scale their resources to remove barriers to renewable energy adoption in the supply chain, provide education on best market practices and support the industry’s transition to Net Zero.

Keep ReadingShow less
disposable vapes

Single-use disposable vapes are displayed for sale on October 27, 2024 in London, England

Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images

Vape industry concerned over chancellor’s vaping duty proposal

Vape industry bodies have raised concerns over chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget announcement introducing a flat-rate excise duty on vaping products, saying it could hurt public health and increase financial pressures on consumers.

The new excise tax, set to begin on October 1, 2026, will add £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, with additional VAT. This rate replaces the previous government’s proposed tiered tax structure, which many in the industry had criticised.

Keep ReadingShow less