Bira - British Independent Retailers Association

The countdown clock has begun as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminds customers they have less than 100 days to file and pay their Self Assessment tax return before the 31 January deadline. https://lnkd.in/d6B25CSt #RetailSupport #TaxReturns

Bira has condemned today's Budget as the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory, with a triple blow of doubled business rates, increased National Insurance, and higher minimum wage costs threatening widespread high street closures. Bira reports the reduction in business rates relief from 75% to 40% (capped at £110k) from April 2025 will more than double costs for many retailers. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This is without doubt the worst Budget for independent retailers I have seen in my time representing the sector." Read the full story - https://lnkd.in/dn29BabM #RetailSupport #BudgetWeek #IndependentRetailers

Businesses will be given a six-month grace period to sell existing disposable vape stock following the UK Government’s introduction of legislation to ban the sale and supply of single-use vapes in England from June next year. The grace period will take effect after the ban is enacted on June 1 next year. Read full story - https://bit.ly/Vape-Ban #RetailSupport #Vapes #Government

Spring Fair, the UK’s largest home, gift, and fashion trade show, will celebrate its 75th anniversary with the launch of a free Retail Insights podcast series, featuring interviews with 15 industry leaders over 14 weeks, aimed at providing valuable insights for retail businesses of all sizes. The series, hosted by renowned designer and TV personality Jeff Banks, CBE, highlights the event's rich heritage and the stories of the people and brands that make up the retail community, covering topics such as reinventing brands, growing physical stores, catering to diverse customer demographics, and sustainability. Read the full story - https://lnkd.in/eHS_dW8d #RetailSupport #RetailPodcast

Take a look inside #BiraConference2024, from inspirational speakers to invaluable networking moments, this year's conference brough together the best of independent retail. Watch the highlights and see why Bira is the go-to community for retailers looking to grow and thrive. #RetailSupport #independentbusiness

Bira is working with UK Finance and other organisations who form the UK’s wholesale cash industry to gain vital information to ensure businesses get the best possible service. In the Bira Retail Payments Survey 2024, we are seeking an updated understanding of independent retailers’. Please help us by taking a few minutes to answer this short survey, the details of which will remain completely confidential. Take the short survey today - https://lnkd.in/ebKg7tEB #RetailSupport #PaymentSurvey

Elevate your security with leading Facial Recognition tech! Facewatch offers a compliant UK solution for retail & hospitality, endorsed by giants like Spar & Sports Direct. Become a Bira members and enjoy exclusive perks such as £100 cashback upon completion and dedicated account support. Learn more - link in bio #RetailSupport #FacialRecognition #biraBenefits

This summer, the cost-of-living crisis is making 2024 challenging for many. The FCA’s Financial Lives research reveals that 14.6 million people are finding it difficult to cope financially. This leaves consumers susceptible to scams such as loan fee fraud, where they are asked to pay an upfront fee but then never receive payment. Now, it’s even more important to take a moment to pause if you are looking for a loan. Pause and do the 3-step check before you make any decision and avoid the scammers. • Cold called? • Asked to pay an upfront fee? • Pressured to pay quickly or unusually? Tick any of these? STOP Protect yourself from loan fee fraud.

Bira is working with UK Finance and other organisations who form the UK’s wholesale cash industry to gain vital information to ensure businesses get the best possible service. In the Bira Retail Payments Survey 2024, we are seeking an updated understanding of independent retailers’ attitude to cash, cash acceptance, and insight into the use of different cash denominations. We also want to understand businesses’ experience of the UK’s banking hubs. Please help us by taking a few minutes to answer this short survey, the details of which will remain completely confidential. https://lnkd.in/ebKg7tEB #RetailSupport #PaymentSurvey #Cashless