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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Jun- 2020 -4 JuneRetailers
Bira creates five-step guide to help independent retailers open again
The British Independent Retailers Association has created a five-step guide to help independent retailers open again with confidence later this month. The five-step guide to a Covid-secure reopening takes members through what they need to do to be safe and compliant ahead of reopening on 15 June . It also…
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May- 2020 -29 MayRetailers
Bira welcomes £50m fund to prepare high streets for shoppers return
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed a new £50m boost to help local authorities prepare high streets for reopening. High Streets Minister Simon Clarke announced the fund for councils to help their local high streets get safely back to business earlier this week. The ‘Reopening High Streets Safely…
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26 MayCoronavirus
‘Many independent retailers are ready to reopen now’, says Bira CEO
The CEO of The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) Andrew Goodacre has said many independent retailers are ready to reopen now, having already worked hard to put measures in place to keep both customers and staff safe. The news comes as non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen from Monday,…
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12 MayCoronavirus
Reopening independent stores must be part of first phase of exit plan, says Bira
Independent retail businesses can offer a safe shopping environment and will help keep people within their local communities’, says the head of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Andrew Goodacre is calling for small independent shops to reopen during the first phase of lifting lockdown restrictions outlined in government documents.…
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5 MayCoronavirus
Bira supports top-up scheme for local business grant funds
A new scheme to top-up local business grant funds has been welcomed by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira has been pressuring the government to go further in its grant scheme to accommodate small businesses previously outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme. In response, Business Secretary…
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4 MayCoronavirus
Bira releases ‘life after lockdown’ strategy
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has released its 10-point “life after lockdown” strategy, calling on the government to consider lifting restrictions on smaller retailers first. In an open letter, CEO Andrew Goodacre’s survival plan encourages retailers to consider sustainable retail, customer focused experiences and multi-channel sales to survive post…
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1 MayCoronavirus
Revaluation of business rates postponed following pressure from Bira
A government plan to bring forward the next revaluation of business rates to April 1, 2021, has been shelved following pressure from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). Bira joined other heads of the retail sector in demanding that Chancellor Rishi Sunak withdraw ‘disastrous’ legislation, which was due to be…
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Apr- 2020 -29 AprilCoronavirus
Bira calls on chancellor to bin rates reform Bill
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging the government to scrap plans to bring forward the next revaluation of business rates to April 1, 2021. Bira has joined other heads of the retail sector in calling Chancellor Rishi Sunak to withdraw ‘disastrous’ legislation, due to be discussed today (Wednesday,…
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28 AprilCoronavirus
Bira welcomes 100% government-backed loans for small businesses
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed a new government scheme to offer 100% taxpayer-backed loans for the UK’s small businesses. Yesterday (27 April), Rishi Sunak announced the scheme would start next week offering firms loans of up to £50,000 within days of applying. To access the loans, which are…
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