Campaign Focus | Bira AGM, the Budget and Love Your High Street

Hello,

There have been a number of areas of focus for Bira recently:

1.  AGM - Thanks to all those who attended the AGM last week – a record turnout since we have been doing virtual AGMs. We also welcomed a new President. John Jones stepped down after a couple of years and he has been succeeded by Karen Forret. Karen has been board member for a few years and runs the Wilkies shop chain in Scotland.

2.  Budget - For the first time in 3 years we had a budget that did not damage smaller retailers overall. On the positive side we saw the Small Business Rates Relief increased to £18,000 rateable value (meaning zero business rates paid up to this level 0).

Anyone with a higher rateable value will increases capped by inflation for the next two years (there was a planned 25% increase next year). Both of these announcements were in our budget wish list sent to the Chancellors and are ‘wins’ for our lobbying work.

Employment costs are rising by 3,9% due to increases in the NLW and NMW. It is less than inflation – very different from the past 3 years, and again something we pushed for.

Our main disappointments are zero action on energy cost for business and reducing the burden of NICs – focus needed on those next year!

3.  Love Your High Street - I hade the pleasure of presenting the award to the overall winner last week – Health and Remedy in Chard. A great business with two owners who really understand their market and have made a real difference to their high street.

I loved the fact that they help other retailers to develop their social media skills. Very deserving winners from another great campaign that highlights the best of high streets in the UK.

Thank you.

Andrew

Sarah Ward, Executive Director of The G&LC:

“Bira’s work on behalf of independent businesses is hugely important to the gift and lifestyle sector, where retailers, makers, suppliers, manufacturers and wholesalers are all facing pressures that make a strong collective voice essential.

“The outcomes from this year’s Budget demonstrate the value of sustained lobbying and making sure the challenges facing smaller businesses are heard by Government. Increasing the Small Business Rates Relief threshold and limiting future increases for those above it are positive steps for independent retailers, while keeping employment cost increases below inflation will also offer some welcome relief. These are important wins, particularly for smaller gift and lifestyle businesses operating on tight margins, although there is still more to do on business energy costs and National Insurance.

“Love Your High Street is another fantastic example of the positive work being done to celebrate independent businesses and the people who make our high streets special. It is always a pleasure to see so many brilliant businesses getting the recognition they deserve, and this year's winners, Health and Remedy in Chard, are a wonderful example of what makes independent retail so special. Their enthusiasm for their customers, their community and even helping fellow retailers develop their social media skills is exactly the kind of spirit we should be celebrating. The campaign and awards are a real highlight, shining a light on the creativity, personality and community spirit that all independents, including those in the gift and lifestyle sector, bring to our high streets, alongside the makers, suppliers and wholesalers who help make it all possible.

“The work Bira is doing to champion independent businesses directly supports the ambitions of our members of The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium. We are proud to be part of that wider effort, helping ensure our sector has a stronger voice, greater recognition and the support it needs to thrive.”