British Independent Retailers Association
The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) represents the voice of UK independent jewellers alongside other retailer types, advocating on issues such as business rates, supply-chain support, training, and local economic policy. BIRA membership equips jewellers with access to bulk buying schemes, marketing platforms, legal guidance, and peer networking—tools vital for navigating cost pressures and competitive high-street environments. Jewellery Focus reports on BIRA’s key initiatives affecting the jewellery trade, including tailored procurement programmes, training and compliance offerings, policy lobbying outcomes, and member case studies. Our trade-led coverage helps retailers, suppliers, and brand teams understand how BIRA membership can bolster resilience, reduce costs, and unlock collaborative growth opportunities in the UK jewellery marketplace.
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Aug- 2025 -14 AugustEconomy
46% of independent retailers report lower Q2 sales, Bira finds
Nearly half (46%) of Britain’s independent retailers reported lower sales in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to new figures from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). The decline was attributed to a squeeze on household budgets and falling consumer confidence as key…
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Mar- 2022 -24 MarchRetailers
Retail industry responds to ‘underwhelming’ Spring Statement
Both Bira and CBI have expressed disappointment in the chancellor’s Spring Statement, with Bira having declared it is “underwhelmed with the offerings for independent businesses”. In his speech yesterday, Rishi Sunak outlined a series of measures to help combat the rising cost of living in his latest spring statement, including…
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21 MarchRetailers
Bira predicts strongest Mother’s Day in 2 years
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has predicted the strongest Mother’s Day trading in over two years. Following the lifting of restrictions early this year, the head of Bira believes this will be the strongest trading period of the year so far as shoppers will be able to hit the…
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16 MarchRetailers
Retail sales monitor shows ‘cause for optimism’, Bira says
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said there is “cause for optimism” after the recent BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for February 2022 which revealed that UK retail sales increased 2.7% on a Like-for-like basis from February 2021. According to the BRC the performance comes on top of an improved…
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7 MarchNews
Bira announces launch of Nertoo online trading platform
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has announced the official public launch of its new online trading site Neartoo. The website, which launches on Monday 7 March, is designed to “help stores in hard hit High Streets recover from the pandemic”. The platform allows shoppers to find out what they…
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Feb- 2022 -23 FebruaryRetailers
New report indicates extent of high street challenge, says Bira
A report released by PwC about a study on how the high street is fairing shows how “challenging the high street continues to be”, according to The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). The report, released this week, highlighted how store closures for chains and multiples slowed versus the last two…
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21 FebruaryEconomy
Bira welcomes sales rise, but warns ‘all is not well’
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said it is “pleased to see a rise in retail sales”, but warned retailers against “falling into the trap of thinking all is well”. It was commenting on the recently released figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the UK retail…
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Jul- 2021 -26 JulyTrade Organisations
Bira backs ‘Shop Out to Help Out’ scheme
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said it will back a new campaign launched by Refundable, a consumer membership brand, to introduce a ‘Shop Out to Help Out’ scheme. According to the group, the campaign, similar to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme launched last summer for the hospitality industry, would…
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Aug- 2020 -21 AugustRetailers
Road closures are ‘accelerating the decline of the high street’, says Bira
Local authorities across the UK are “accelerating the decline of the high street” with “unnecessary” road closures, according to Bira. The group said it has been “inundated” with calls from concerned businesses that post-lockdown accessibility issues are “significantly impacting trade”. Bira said it is now working hard to help address…
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14 AugustRetailers
Extra support needed for retailers to meet rent demands, says Bira
“Positive action” is needed to help retail businesses meet rent demands as they continue to recover from the Covid-19 crisis, The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said. It comes as the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) proposed for a Property Bounceback Grant, after exclusive research revealed independent retailers were concerned…
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