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- 2020 -13 AugustRetailers
Bira thanks government’s #ShopLocal Week
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has thanked the government for the launch of #ShopLocal Week. The #ShopLocal campaign, which started on Monday (August 10) and runs until Sunday, August 16, aims to celebrate the British high street by encouraging customers to return to their safe, local shops, supporting the…
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Jul- 2020 -22 JulyRetailers
Bira urges PM to ‘give us back our high streets’
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to intervene and “give us back our high streets”. In an exclusive Bira survey, three quarters (75%) of independent retailers said trade is being “detrimentally impacted” by lockdown road closures. The survey revealed that two thirds (66.1%) of retailers…
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20 JulyCrime
Bira backs plans for tougher shoplifting penalties
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed government plans to take a tougher stance on shoplifting. Home Secretary Priti Patel recently announced the Government would be writing to police chiefs to advise that shoplifters stealing items to the value of £200 should be prosecuted. The decision follows a major…
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9 JulyRetailers
Bira ‘disappointed’ mini-budget does ‘not help indie retailers’
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed its “disappointment” that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s mini-budget does not “directly help retail business owners”. Sunak announced a raft of further measures to support the recovery of the economy following the coronavirus lockdown, in Parliament yesterday (8 July). Features of the budget included…
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2 JulyRetailers
Increased road closures ‘detrimental’ to high street trade, says Bira
Increasing numbers of road closures are a further barrier for shoppers to return to the high street, says the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira is raising concerns after members in coastal resorts highlighted the problem when roads were closed as “tourists flocked to beaches during lockdown last week”. Andrew…
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Jun- 2020 -26 JuneRetailers
‘Encouraging’ start to return of non-essential retail’, says Bira
The CEO of Bira, Andrew Goodacre, has welcomed the reopening of the hospitality industry, on July 4 in England, as it will further support members and the wider independent retail sector. In a new survey, Bira revealed more than one fifth (22.3%) of respondents enjoyed more than 100% better sales…
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22 JuneRetailers
Bira welcomes extension of government protection scheme
Bira has “welcomed” the government’s decision to extend protection for businesses from aggressive debt collection until September. The extended measures will prevent struggling retailers from being evicted with the current protection originally due to expire on June 30. The association said the decision was made by the government after Bira…
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17 JuneRetailers
Bira vows to ‘fight’ for retailers who missed out on Covid-19 support
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has vowed to continue to “fight for retailers” who have missed out on government support. The pledge follows the findings of the treasury select committee that one million people had missed out on receiving any financial support during the pandemic. The committee’s report is…
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9 JuneCoronavirus
Bira opposed to proposed relaxation of Sunday trading laws
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has expressed concern for proposed relaxation of Sunday trading laws. Under plans being suggested by the government, England could suspend Sunday trading laws for a year in a bid to boost the economy. However, Bira, who has added its support to the ‘Keep Sunday…
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5 JuneRetailers
Bira welcomes business rates revaluation postponement in Wales
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the decision by the Welsh government to delay the revaluation of business rates. The announcement follows a similar ruling made in England on 6 May, which resulted in the government scrapping a bill to reevaluate business rates in 2021. The decision to postpone…
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