Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
A five-point plan to Save Our Shops (SOS) has been issued by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira).
The strategy is the key feature of Bira’s forthcoming manifesto which focuses on ‘what can be done to better support independent retail businesses and minimise the burden on them’.
Bira is asking for: ‘Urgent business rates reform – the current system is outdated and unfair; improved parking and accessibility to high streets and towns to boost footfall; preventative action, and extra support, for retailers affected by crime; provision to support and encourage new businesses with tax allowances; and a fairer implementation of the new Digital Service Tax to generate more income from the large internet businesses.’
Bira ceo Andrew Goodacre commented: “Without radical change, more businesses will close and the sight of empty shops and buildings will be prevalent in every town and on every high street. This is why Bira is issuing its new SOS manifesto.”
