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Investment in convenience sector hits record high of £1bn

17 Sep 2024

Over the last year, convenience retailers have spent a combined £1bn (up from £646m in the previous 12 months) refitting their stores, installing new energy efficient refrigeration... Read more…

Bira responds cautiously to encouraging trends in KPMG Retail Sales Monitor report.

3 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for August 2024. The report, which can be downloaded here, has highlighted:
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Pet Shop owner nominated for award for food bank donations

2 Sep 2024

Rebecca Harrington, owner of Purdy's pet shop in Coventry, has been nominated in the animal category at BBC CWR's Make a Difference awards for providing pet food parcels to food banks
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Standardised witness statement developed for retailers submitting CCTV evidence to the polic

2 Sep 2024

The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), in collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police forces, has developed a standardised witness statement for retailers submitting... Read more…

Sheffield’s new independent retail hub opens to the public

2 Sep 2024

A redeveloped Grade II* Listed hub in Sheffield has opened its doors to the public for the first time, providing a contemporary city centre hub for some of the city’s finest... Read more…

Government urged to protect independent retailers as part of living wage increases

2 Sep 2024

The national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers has written to the new secretary of state for business and trade, Jonathan Reynolds, to highlight the impact of higher wages on... Read more…

Barbers to test blood pressure to fight inequality

2 Sep 2024

Two barber shops in south London are offering customers free blood pressure tests to tackle undiagnosed health issues amongst black and Asian men.
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Bira welcomes recent Bank of England interest rate cut

14 Aug 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the Bank of England’s recent decision to cut interest rates from 5.25% to 5%.
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Community rallies around shop owner’s appeal after ‘devastating’ break-in

14 Aug 2024

A shop owner in Bramley, West Leeds, has thanked kind-hearted members of the community after her shop was targeted by burglars.
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National and local governments called on to invest in the repair of the retail sector after recent riots.

14 Aug 2024

The recent wave of civil unrest in the has dealt a severe blow to the UK retail sector, with high-street stalwarts and independent stores alike bearing the brunt of the violence.
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94% independent retailers urge government to ‘preserve UK high streets’

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

A new report by Ankorstore and retail consultant Mary Portas has found that 94% of independent retailers want the government to act in next week’s budget to preserve the UK’s high streets.

A total of 97% of independent retailers believe the UK government has not provided enough support as costs increase, according to a new research report, The Future of Independent Retail.

Meanwhile, 74% are calling for the Energy Relief Scheme to be extended beyond March.

If the energy relief scheme isn’t extended, almost half of all independent retailers (42%) said they will either close or consider closing.

quaint street

“We know there is hope for our local high streets post-Covid. Shoppers want to support them and almost half of retailers are positive about 2023,” Portas said. “But – and it’s a big but – the government has to support them.”

Almost half (43%) of independent retailers are hopeful for a successful 2023 and are expecting their revenues and profits to increase next year. Meanwhile, 21% are planning on further investment in the future, and 68% believe that 2023 will be the year of the “15-minute city” believing it to be the future of independent retail in Britain.

Portas added: “The closure of independent retailers would have huge consequences for the communities who depend on these shops – and the social infrastructure they provide. Because shops are about so much more than what is sold.”

With the chancellor set to make his financial statement on 17 November, retailers are united in their call for support.

Over half (55%) say the government should introduce a Covid-style VAT or business rate cut, while a further 53% believe the government should launch a loan scheme to enable independent retailers to tide themselves over during the current difficult periods.

Ankorstore UK general manager, Tarun Gidoomal said: “Retailers can survive and thrive beyond difficult times and often, crisis presents an opportunity to innovate.

“What is clear from our research is that the most successful independent retailers are embracing new technologies or doubling down on customer service.

“Consumers want to support independent retailers and I’m in no doubt that they will do that this winter.

“However, we know our retailers always need to have one eye on the future and the sector is still in need of government support to get them through this crisis, so they can grow their businesses in 2023 and continue to differentiate themselves from big box retailers.”

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