This year is shaping up to be an very important one for the British Independent Retailers Association (bira), which 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).
“We are incredibly proud of our 120 year heritage,” states bira’s ceoAndrew Goodacre. “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.”
The Association currently represents thousands of independent businesses – from gift shops and cookshops to pet, furniture and coffee shops – in fact, 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, lobbying on issues such as business rates and parking.
To find out about bira’s special membership offer (membership usually starts from £205 +VAT based on turnover), visit bira.co.uk/membership-120or contact the membership team on 0800 028 0245.
Top: bira’s head office in Birmingham.
