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15 Apr 2025

Retail Crime Remains Alarming - Bira's Latest Survey Reveals Urgent Need for Action

11 Apr 2025

Bira has cautiously welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement this week on plans to put 'thousands of Bobbies back on the Beat' with a new neighbourhood policing guarantee.

11 Apr 2025

Cycling UK has called for greater, targeted investment in cycling infrastructure across the UK to help more women feel safe and confident to cycle, with the charity urging Government to commit...

10 Apr 2025

Graeme Stickells, Head Trainer at South Africa’s only Cytech training centre Torq Zone Academy, is recovering from a life-threatening hit-and-run incident — and a crowdfunder has...

9 Apr 2025

Seven in ten cyclists in the UK have had their bike stolen, with the average cost of a stolen bike at £612.80 bringing the total estimated cost of thefts to £2.4 billion, according...

8 Apr 2025

MPs from multiple parties are pushing for Cycle to Work scheme to be expanded to include more people, including pensioners and freelancers, with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle.

2 Apr 2025

New regulations around recycling, known as ‘Simpler Recycling’, will soon require non-household municipal premises, including businesses, schools, and hospitals, to separate food...

2 Apr 2025

WorkNest has provided ACT members with essential resources covering statutory employment rates and the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, with the updates aimed at helping independent...

1 Apr 2025

Bira has voiced serious concerns over the latest figures from the BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index for March 2025.

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Budget should cut retailers’ costs, says retail trade organisation

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has called for a series of cost-saving measures in the next Budget to help boost business.

Red budget box

Bira, which is the parent organisation of the Association of Cycle Traders, says its wish list includes making the current retail discount of 75% on rates permanent; a 20% increase in employers’ national insurance allowance; and action to help release businesses from expensive energy contracts.

Bira has made its requests in advance of the Spring Budget on 6 March, when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will address Parliament.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s chief executive, urged the government to address a series of issues for retailers, also including broader efforts to improve consumer confidence and spending.

He said: “These wishes represent a collective vision for a vibrant and flourishing retail landscape.

“We believe that by addressing these crucial issues in the Spring Budget, the government can lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for independent retailers and the UK economy as a whole.”

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