British Independent Retailers Association - Bira

British Independent Retailers Association - Bira The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) champions and supports independent and family retail businesses across the UK. Join now at www.bira.co.uk

As the leading UK association for independent retailers, we’re here to help independent retail businesses get connected with others in their industry, providing expert knowledge, support and access to a wide range of specialist business services, saving you time and money.

45 years of community, care and independent retail! A huge congratulations to Wild Oats Natural Foods on celebrating an ...
17/09/2026

45 years of community, care and independent retail!

A huge congratulations to Wild Oats Natural Foods on celebrating an incredible 45 years on Bristol's high street.

From natural foods and supplements to expert advice, fresh smoothies and locally roasted coffee, Wild Oats has been supporting the wellbeing of the local community since 1981. 💚

The milestone was marked with a special anniversary event, bringing together founder Mike Abrahams, the Wild Oats team and loyal customers, including one shopper who has been visiting the store for more than four decades.

Here's to 45 years of independent retail success and many more to come!

Read the full story - https://bit.ly/Wild-Oats-45-Years

Meet the Love Your High Street Awards 2026 finalists!A huge thank you to every business that entered this year. The resp...
15/09/2026

Meet the Love Your High Street Awards 2026 finalists!

A huge thank you to every business that entered this year. The response has been fantastic, and we've been blown away by nominations put forward.

Our judges have selected their final 8, and the decision is now in your hands.

Meet the final 8 - A Darn Good Yarn, Garden King, Health & Remedy, Jackson's - The Herbalists of Yorkshire, Not Just Pets Frome, Rocket and Bird, That Little Bookshop, The Mug Tree Tea Room

Good luck to the final 8, and thank you to everyone who who entered and made this year's awards extra special!

Voting closes on 11 October 2026 - https://bit.ly/LYHS-Finalists

"It was absolutely fabulous and a moment we will never forget." ❤️When Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum - Ennisk...
26/08/2026

"It was absolutely fabulous and a moment we will never forget." ❤️

When Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum - Enniskillen won a Love Your High Street Award, it wasn't just recognition for a unique business. It was a celebration of a community that rallied behind them.

From messages of support from across the world to new customers discovering them through the awards, the recognition has brought lasting benefits and unforgettable memories.

Their advice?

"Take a moment to nominate them. Recognise the passion, dedication and love that local businesses bring to their work and to the communities they serve."

Every nomination helps shine a spotlight on the independent businesses that make our high streets special.
Nominate a shop today - https://bit.ly/lyhs-awards

Read the full message here - https://bit.ly/lyhs-winners-message

CLOSES ON SUNDAY!

Win £1,000 of Stock for Your Shop!Got an insurance renewal coming up?Tell us your renewal date and you'll be entered int...
20/08/2026

Win £1,000 of Stock for Your Shop!

Got an insurance renewal coming up?

Tell us your renewal date and you'll be entered into a draw to win £1,000 of stock through Bira Direct.

Your renewal date is the perfect opportunity to review your cover, reduce costs, and make sure your business is properly protected. As a Bira member, you can access tailored commercial insurance solutions through Bira Insurance, provided by Ascott Insurance Brokers, designed specifically for independent retailers.

Don't miss the chance to strengthen your cover and give your business a boost. https://bit.ly/Win-1000-bira

Entries close tonight!

just look at what people are saying...The Love Your High Street Awards nominations are coming in, and we've already read...
20/08/2026

just look at what people are saying...

The Love Your High Street Awards nominations are coming in, and we've already read some brilliant reasons why independent businesses deserve to be recognised.

You don't always get to hear what customers really think about your business. These nominations give us a little glimpse.

So, if you've build something your customers love, this is your sign to put your business forward.

Enter the awards today and give your business the recognition it deserves. https://bit.ly/lyhs-awards

'If they really care about the high street, protecting independent businesses is the safest way to do it."Andrew Goodacr...
15/08/2026

'If they really care about the high street, protecting independent businesses is the safest way to do it."

Andrew Goodacre talks on the High Street Matters podcast about how important independent businesses are to our high streets and how we should protect them if we want to keep them thriving.

Listen to the full podcast here - https://bit.ly/m/Bira-Podcast

With Martyn's Law set to introduce new responsibilities for certain public-facing premises, many independent retailers a...
14/08/2026

With Martyn's Law set to introduce new responsibilities for certain public-facing premises, many independent retailers are asking what the legislation means for their businesses. While the law is not expected to come into force until at least 2027, now is the ideal time to understand the requirements and begin preparing.

To help, we've picked out the most relevant questions from the official ProtectUK guidance.

Read more - https://bit.ly/martyns-law-questions

13/08/2026

"Well, It's certainly not been boring has it?"

A clear message to Number 10: independent retailers deserve the same level of support as other business sectors.
With the Autumn Budget approaching, Bira's latest High Street Matters podcast examines the policy changes announced by the new

Prime Minister and sets out practical solutions to help Britain's independent shops thrive. Watch or listen on your preferred platform today. https://bit.ly/m/Bira-Podcast

"The Government has put high streets back on the agenda, but if we are to see real positive change, it will require bold...
13/08/2026

"The Government has put high streets back on the agenda, but if we are to see real positive change, it will require bold and practical measures that support independent retailers. This consultation is an important opportunity to influence policy, and we want our members' voices to be heard."

-Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO

Independent Businesses wishing to contribute can contact Bira before the 9 September 2026

Read more and contact Bira - https://bit.ly/autumn-budget-2026

New Prime Minister. New business rates policy. But what about independent retailers?In the latest episode of High Street...
12/08/2026

New Prime Minister. New business rates policy. But what about independent retailers?

In the latest episode of High Street Matters, Bira explores Andy Burnham's announcement of a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues, and asks why the rest of the high street is being left behind.

🎙️ Hear from Andrew Goodacre, Surinder Josan and John Jones as they discuss what independent retailers need from government ahead of the Autumn Budget. https://bit.ly/m/Bira-Podcast

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Birmingham
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