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'Devastating and out of touch' - independent retailers react to Budget bombshell

1 Nov 2024

Independent retailers across Britain have reacted with dismay to yesterday's Budget, with many warning of store closures, job losses and cancelled expansion plans.
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Devastating Budget Delivers Triple Blow to Independent Retailers, Says ACT and Bira

30 Oct 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and the ACT have condemned today's Budget as the most damaging for independent retailers in recent memory, with... Read more…

Retailers paying one-third of all UK business rates despite making up only 9% of economy

30 Oct 2024

Retailers and hospitality businesses are paying three times their economic share in business rates, according to analysis by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and UK Hospitality.
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How much cash do you still accept? Independent cycling retailers can respond to this survey today

30 Oct 2024

ACT parent company 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... Read more…

Bira Conference a huge success with ACT members in attendance

25 Oct 2024

ACT members were in attendance at the hugely successful Bira Conference in London last week, featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers providing valuable insights from independent retail... Read more…

Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024
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FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also... Read more…

Award-winning gin distillery to open new shop in Morecambe

3 Oct 2024

A family-run gin company is set to open a new distillery and shop in Morecambe.
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‘Largest independent bookshop in the country’ to open in York

3 Oct 2024

Independent booksellers Topping & Company will open a new bookshop over multiple floors in central York in autumn 2025.
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Three quarters of British shoppers would ban paper receipts on eco grounds, new data shows

3 Oct 2024

3 in 4 Britons (77%) would ban paper receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to generate them – and millennials are the most eco-conscious (rising to 87%).
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Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024.

UK Street

The report, which can be downloaded here, has highlighted a number of growth indicators for the period.

The report states:

  • UK Total retail sales increased year-on-year in September
  • Food sales increased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • Non-Food sales decreased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • In-store Non-Food sales decreased year-on-year over the three months to September
  • Online Non-Food sales increased year-on-year in September
  • Online penetration rate increased in September *Online penetration rate = the proportion of Non-Food items bought online

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "It's encouraging to see sales growth in September, especially after many months of decline. However, we must recognise that this growth in sales is not covering the increase in costs that retailers are facing.

"On a positive note, if consumers start to spend more on a consistent basis, independent retailers will be keen to invest and grow their businesses. However, this investment and growth is only possible if business rates are not increased in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

"The Chancellor has the power to extend the retail, hospitality and leisure relief, which is absolutely vital if high streets are to be revitalised and grow. We urge the government to consider this crucial support for the retail sector."

Bira emphasises that while the sales increase is welcome news, sustained support is necessary for the long-term health of the retail sector, particularly for independent retailers.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is a membership group supporting independent shops, hospitality and service retail businesses throughout the UK. Bira brought ACT into its group of retailers earlier in March 2023.

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