Independent Retailer

Aug- 2021 -

10 August

Bira in talks with metro mayors to help retailers post-pandemic

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said it is involved in discussions with mayors of UK metropolitan cities to discuss “new ways” of supporting independent retailers post-pandemic. The talks, which are being led by the group’s CEO Andrew Goodacre, have been looking at support for reforms to business rates…

6 August

Business Bites

Mikki launches dog training POS deal for independent retailers

Mikki has created a ‘Walk In The Park’ deal on its training products to help support its independent retailers. It comes in response to the recent surge in dog ownership across the country. The UK has experienced a forty percent increase in dog ownership over the past twelve months, with…

Jun- 2021 -

21 June

Trade Organisations

BPF slams gov’s commercial property rent moratorium extension

The British Property Federation (BPF) has come out against the government’s latest commercial property rent moratorium extension. Last week (16 June), the UK government announced a further extension of moratoriums on commercial property owners’ rights until March 2022. Legislation is set to be introduced later this session in parliament in…

11 June

Government & Legislation

Bira calls for extension of Gov’s TCR scheme

Bira is calling for an extension in the government’s Trade Credit Reinsurance (TCR) scheme. CEO of Bira, Andrew Goodacre said the removal of the scheme as planned on June 30, 2021, could “not come at a worse time for independent retailers”. In May, the government announced the temporary TCR scheme…

May- 2021 -

28 May

Retailers

Retail NI welcomes top up grants

Retail NI has welcomed the commencement of the issuing of £72.3m in top up grants to Northern Irish businesses that remained open during the most recent restrictions. Over 13,000 trading businesses were unable to receive the most recent financial support, but their “trade and footfall” was still impacted as a…

Mar- 2021 -

11 March

Appointment

Walker & Drake appoints business development manager

Cold pressed food manufacturer, Walker and Drake, has expanded its sales and marketing team by appointing Andrew Clark as its new business development manager. In his new role, Clark will focus on sales and distribution in the southern UK, Wales and the west. He will also provide sales training for…

5 March

Trade Organisations

Bira urges Sunak to extend business rates relief for full year

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is appealing to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the 100% business rates relief in England for a full year. The plea follows a decision by the government in Wales earlier this week to give retailers 100% rates relief until next March. In February, Scotland…

Feb- 2021 -

18 February

Bucktons launches new Wild Bird Superior range

Pet specialist brand, Bucktons, has launched a new Superior 12 Seed Blend 20kg to sit alongside the popular Bucktons Superior Suet Balls launched last year. This latest addition to the range is well timed to support independent retailers who want to capitalise on the cold weather snap that we’re seeing…

16 February

Coronavirus

BIRA calls on government for ‘clear exit plan’ out of lockdown

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) is calling for the UK government to make a clear exit plan out of lockdown for the sector, with Andrew Goodacre CEO of the group stating that “retail continues to be and always has been a safe place”. The plea comes one week ahead…

Jan- 2021 -

8 January

Manufacturers

Pets Choice name Becky Lambert national pet trade manager

Pet food manufacturer Pets Choice has appointed Becky Lambert its new national pet trade manager. Lambert joins Pets Choice from Beco Pets where she worked as a senior sales and key account manager. She previously held management positions at Armitage Pet Care and Empire Pet Supplies, and has almost 20…