Bira has commented on the potential damage for independent retailers (including cookshops and housewares) as inflation hit 10.1% in the past year up until July. Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s ceo highlights that indies are “facing reduced demand whilst their own costs (both business and personal) are spiralling out of control.” He calls for the government to take urgent steps to support retailers.
Andrew elaborates on the current challenges affecting Bira members: “For example, an independent retailer has just seen a 500% increase in the energy bills, the sort of increase that could wipe out the profits for the year.
“Small retailers can no longer wait for the government to take action to help businesses through this crisis. All the focus is on helping households and yet businesses have been facing inflation busting increases in cost for the past two years.”
The Bira ceo reiterates the association’s plea for the next Prime Minister and new cabinet, reflecting: “It started with supply chain disruption, and even last October we reported energy bills rising by 300%. We asked for support then, prior to the budget, and none was forthcoming. Whoever becomes Prime Minister has to have a plan to support the high street before businesses, livelihood and jobs disappear.”
He emphasises, on behalf of independent retailers “In the short term I would like to see 100% rates relief introduced for smaller retailers, an energy price cap for businesses and more funding/ incentives for businesses to invest in greener technology and reduce energy usage. It is disappointing to hear the silence on the business crisis from leadership debate and we need positive action now.”
Top: Bira is again telling the government that now is the time to urgently support small retailers.
