BIRA calls on new Labour government to prioritise independent retail sector

Following Labour’s landslide Election victory, the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) parent company, the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has urged the new government to make good on its promise of change by prioritising the revival of the independent retail sector and high streets across the UK.

BIRA, which works with more than 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has consistently campaigned for policies that support and nurture independent retailers.

In light of the election result, the association is reiterating its key priorities for the new government:

• Lower business rates for smaller retailers
• Review of corporate tax to encourage more investment by smaller businesses
• Continued investment in local high streets, addressing issues such as parking availability and cost
• Increased focus on combating retail crime
• Review of the cycle to work scheme to ensure retailers also benefit
• A coordinated plan to reduce wastage in the retail sector
• Review of regulations to prevent disproportionate impact on smaller retailers

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of BIRA, said on the election outcome: “The Labour party won on a mandate of delivering change and we urge the new government to deliver positive change for high streets and independent retailers.

“We know there is a commitment to reforming business rates – that needs to happen at the earliest opportunity to protect high street businesses.

“We also need to see the commitment to investing in our town centres and local areas, where independent retailers play such a vital role in the local economy. We also hope that the nature of this election result boosts consumer confidence, resulting in economic growth. As always, actions will speak louder than words and Bira’s work to engage and influence government policy under Labour begins today.”

BIRA emphasised that these priorities are crucial for the survival and growth of independent retailers, which are the backbone of local economies and communities across the UK.

The association added that they stood ready to work with the new government to implement policies that will revitalise high streets and support the independent retail sector.