In a heartfelt plea, the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is challenging the Government to resolve some of the ongoing issues that are burdening independent businesses, to include gift retailers, in order to ensure the future of Britain’s high streets.
They are:
1. Finding a Brexit solution that works for independent businesses, a pro-business Brexit that ensures an inclusive deal and allows for a transition period.
According to figures from Bira’s latest Quarterly Sales Monitor (QSM), almost two thirds (64.73%) of retailers are facing modest margin pressures due to a weaker £pound as a result of Brexit. The Association says that the uncertainty is crippling business and consumer confidence with 57.14% of retailers feeling anxious about the year ahead, with a no-deal Brexit doing nothing to ease margin pressure or increase confidence.
2. Bira is also keen to make the business rates discount permanent. The current two-year discount available to retailers – for a business with a rateable value of up to £51,000 – is a decent start, says the Association, but to ensure a level playing field, the retail discount needs to be made permanent. This would continue to ease some of the costs on retailers, meaning they would be able to put more back into their businesses.
3. In addition, Bira wants the Prime Minister to encourage local councils to provide more free and accessible parking in town centres, with the current cost of parking preventing consumers from visiting their high streets. The Association points out that it’s too easy for the public to take advantage of the free parking offered by supermarkets and out of town retail centres, meaning that high street footfall is being decimated.
“With three months to go until we leave the EU, time is of the essence for the new Prime Minister,” says Bira’s ceo Andrew Goodacre. “Anxiousness is at an all-time high, confidence has hit rock bottom and it is severely affecting independent businesses. As a result of Brexit, 91.96% of Bira members are expecting cost price increases, whether modest or significant, and this will only add to the drop in footfall. Without a pro-business Brexit that includes a deal, independent retailers will not be able to compete, and it will lead to more business closures. It’s essential that our high streets remain thriving and attractive options for consumers. Swift action from the Prime Minister is needed on these issues to ensure the future of our high streets.”
Top: Bira wants Boris Johnson to take action to protect Britain’s high streets.
