bira is celebrating 120 years of supporting independent retailers. With a programme of activities to span the year, the association has announced a special membership offer from £120 (ex VAT – see below).
Since 1889 when bira’s predecessors – the Drapers Chamber of Trade (DCT) was formed, and following a number of business acquisitions and partnerships, including the British Shops and Stores Association and the British Hardware Federation in 2009, bira has championed independents.
Today bira represents thousands of independent businesses, from cookshops and hardware stores to pet, furniture and coffee shops – anywhere that has a business rated premises. Members benefit from exclusive service offers, better buying terms and business support. bira also works behind the scenes to promote the interests of independent businesses with Government, fighting on things like business rates, knife sales and parking.
bira CEO, Andrew Goodacre said: “We are incredibly proud of our 120-year heritage. In this tough economic climate and the incredible changes that retail is currently going through. To still have members today that joined at the very beginning 120 years ago really is an achievement. It shows how well independent retailers can adapt to change in order to survive, by constantly adapting to their changing customers and environment.”
To find out about bira’s special membership offer (membership usually starts from £205 +VAT based on turnover), visit bira.co.uk/membership-120 or contact the membership team on 0800 028 0245.
Top: bira’s head office in Birmingham.
