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Independent shops better than big retailers at surviving COVID in the UK

1 May 2024

Small shops have been more "agile" at fighting COVID sale slumps than chain stores, according to a new report.
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Bike shops and cyclists alike urged to gear up to take advantage of Local Bike Shop Day 2024

30 Apr 2024

The UK’s estimated 7.6 million cyclists are being urged to get on their bikes on Saturday May 4th and head down to their local independent bike shop, as many prepare special activities to... Read more…

Peterborough store selling solely local products looks to expand.

29 Apr 2024

A Peterborough store stocking products solely from local entrepreneurs said it is bucking the High Street trend and looking to expand due to its success.
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BIRA launches ‘High Street Matters’ podcast for independent retailers

29 Apr 2024

BIRA is giving independent businesses across the UK a powerful new resource with the launch of its “High Street Matters” podcast.
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Tesco accused of undercutting local shops via its wholesale business.

29 Apr 2024

The Guardian has reported independent shopkeepers saying prices they pay at Tesco’s cash-and-carry arm Booker are often higher than in Tesco’s stores.
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Get ready to celebrate independent Record Store Day

18 Apr 2024

Independent record stores around the country are preparing to celebrate all things vinyl for this year’s Record Store Day on Saturday April 20th. 
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Indies encouraged to put themselves forward for Retail Business of the Year award.

18 Apr 2024

BIRA, the British Independent Retailers Association, has announced its partnership with this year’s SME National Business Awards., joining the 2024 awards as a leading sponsor, backing... Read more…

Family-run Polesworth fish and chip shop celebrates 40 years in business with half-price chips.

18 Apr 2024

A Midlands fish and chip shop is celebrating 40 years in business and offering half-price chips to mark the milestone.
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Assault of shop workers to be made specific criminal offence

18 Apr 2024

Assaulting a shop worker is to be made a separate criminal offence in England and Wales as part of a government response to a wave of retail crime. 
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New stores helping Cardiff arcades buck retail trends.

18 Apr 2024

Eleven new businesses that have opened in the last year in the historic arcades of Cardiff city centre’s Morgan Quarter, made up of the Morgan and Royal arcades, have helped the arcades... Read more…

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Bira calls for level playing field as Amazon UK Services pays zero corporation tax again

Posted on in Business News

Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, has expressed its concern and frustration after it was revealed that Amazon UK Services had, for the second consecutive year, paid zero corporation tax in the UK.

Amazon page

This news has once again raised questions about the fairness of the tax system and the advantage it provides to large international corporations compared to small independent retailers.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said:

“It is disheartening to see yet another large international company, making millions of pounds in revenue, avoiding paying tax in the UK. These companies have access to tax experts and can exploit significant tax credits, which places them in a distinct advantage over the small independent retail sector. This glaring example further strengthens Bira’s resolve to advocate for a fairer tax system, ensuring that the tax burden for UK PLC is distributed more equitably among these large corporations.”

The revelation that Amazon UK Services has avoided paying corporation tax for two consecutive years highlights a growing concern among small independent retailers who face the challenges of high taxes and increasing competition from online giants.

Bira believes that a level playing field is essential for the survival and growth of independent retailers, who contribute significantly to the local economy and provide unique products and services to communities across the UK.

Bira continues to lobby for reforms that address the disparity between the tax obligations of large corporations and those of small independent businesses. The association aims to ensure that the tax system fosters fairness and supports the growth of the UK retail sector as a whole.

“We call on the government to review and reform the tax regulations to create a more balanced playing field for all businesses. It is imperative that we address the issue of tax avoidance by large corporations and strive for a system that encourages fair competition and supports the growth of independent retailers,” added Mr Goodacre.

Bira remains committed to representing the interests of independent retailers across the country and will continue to advocate for changes that promote fairness, sustainability, and a thriving retail landscape.

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