Retailers

Bira welcomes additional support for Scottish retailers

Bira has welcomed a move by the Scottish Government to give additional financial support to small retail businesses. Scottish Ministers have announced a second phase of funding – worth £120m – in response to the outbreak of coronavirus, which results in businesses with one property will get a 100% grant.…

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Pet shop licences may be extended, says PIF

Pet shops whose licence is to be renewed may be granted an extension amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Pet Industry Federation (PIF). PIF’s Primary Authority partner, the Corporation of London, has received a response from DEFRA with regard to the extension of licences for businesses who operate under the…

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Pets Corner reopens shops in garden centres amid coronavirus pandemic

Pets Corner has reopened its stores in 15 garden centres across the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic. Garden centres temporarily closed its operations,following government regulations to close all non-essential shops last month. Dean Richmond, Pets Corner CEO, said at the time: “Sadly, despite being allowed to trade as an essential…

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BIRA fight ‘anomaly’ in government grant funding

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is highlighting an ‘anomaly’ in government grant funding meaning small independent retailers could be missing out on £15,000 Covid-19 cash. According to real estate advisory firm Altus Group almost 3,700 small shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants could miss out on the money. An early…

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CFSG issues new guidelines for pet businesses operating during Covid-19 pandemic

The Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG) has issued new guidance for pet businesses operating during the coronavirus pandemic to offer “clear advice” as to how they can comply with requirements. The document, which is subject to change amid government advice, entitled ‘Covid-19 – Advice for Animal Related Businesses and…

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Online pet food prices increase amid Covid-19 virus outbreak, report finds

A new report by the Office for National Statistics has revealed an increase in online prices on pet food amid the coronavirus pandemic. The report revealed a 3.1% increase in price for the two weeks between 16-22 March and 23-29 March, with an average of an increase of 1.1% per…

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Covid-19: Bira welcomes call for more loan access

A government pledge to pressure banks into supporting small business during the coronavirus pandemic has been welcomed by the Pet Product Retail Association parent company the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). The business secretary Alok Sharma recently called on high street lenders to ease access of the Coronavirus Business Interruption…

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Banks are failing independent retailers in Covid-19 crisis, says BIRA

High street banks are failing to support small independent retailers in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, a new members’ survey by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has revealed. Bira asked its members three questions about the support they’ve received following the outbreak of coronavirus – and the results…

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Pets at Home issues guidelines to customers amid coronavirus crisis

The chief executive of retailer Pets at Home, Peter Pritchard, has issued new guidelines to customers amid the Covid-19 virus outbreak. Whilst many shops have been urged to temporarily close, Pets at Home has been permitted to remain open to serve pet owners “essential items”. Some of the new measures…

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More must be done to support independent retailers through Covid-19 crisis, says BIRA

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has said more must be done to support independent retailers through the coronavirus crisis. BIRA has also launched a dedicated coronavirus hub to guide members and the wider retail community through the crisis. The online resource is a one-stop shop featuring a wealth of…

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