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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…

Study highlights impact of rising staff costs for convenience retailers.

3 Apr 2024

Research by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation has shed light on the impact of rising staff costs on the convenience retail sector in Scotland.
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Independent department stores hitting a sweet spot on local high streets.

3 Apr 2024

With large national chains increasingly disappearing from the high street, Drapers magazine has been looking at how independent department stores are stepping up their offerings to... Read more…

Entries open for 2024 Baking Industry Awards

2 Apr 2024

The Baking Industry Awards return for their 37th year and are once again ready to recognise and reward the very best people, products, and businesses in the sector. The awards showcase the... Read more…

Family-owned cycle shop celebrates 90 years trading in Walsall.

2 Apr 2024

Walsall's cycling community has been celebrating a family-owned business which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
 
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Prime Minister's Funding Injection for Left-Behind Towns Welcomed by Bira

Posted on in Business News

British Independent Retail Association (Bira) acknowledges the Government's investment in towns across the UK.

High street

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, commends the UK Government's commitment to the revitalisation of left-behind towns, putting local communities in charge of over £1 billion for their long-term development.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement earlier this week outlined the allocation of £20 million endowment-style funds to 55 towns, distributed over a span of 10 years. This significant funding initiative, known as the "Long-term Plan for Towns," empowers communities to regain control over their future, enabling them to make decisions that best serve the interests of their residents.

The investment is intended to address various local priorities, including the rejuvenation of high streets, the combatting of anti-social behaviour (ASB), the enhancement of transportation networks, and the overall growth of the local economy.

The Long-term Plan for Towns offers the opportunity for selected towns, including six in the North East, ten in the North West, and four in the West Midlands, to develop their own comprehensive plans, backed by a dedicated Towns Board. This UK-wide approach spans across 55 towns, encompassing seven towns in Scotland and four in Wales.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We wholeheartedly welcome the allocation of funds aimed at enhancing towns throughout the United Kingdom. The management and development of local areas are of paramount importance to the retail industry. It is crucial to recognise that independent retail establishments serve as the lifeblood of thriving towns and high streets.

"While we applaud this funding initiative, it is essential that we maintain the safety and accessibility of our high streets. We hope this funding will be utilised to create town centres that remain easily accessible to all, including those who rely on personal vehicles."

He added: "The injection of funds into left-behind towns under the "Long-term Plan for Towns" marks a substantial step toward rejuvenating local economies and reinvigorating community spirits. Bira looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this investment on towns across the UK."

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