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NEWS
1 NOVEMBER 2024 ASIAN TRADER 7
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NEWS
The past year has been one of
signifi cant change for the UK.
With a new government at the
helm, there’s cautious optimism
about fresh approaches to
long-standing issues af ecting
our high streets. However, the
challenges facing independent
retailers remain formidable.
As we’ve seen in previous
years, the Autumn Statement
can have far-reaching implica-
tions for our sector. This year,
we’re calling on the Chancellor
to deliver certainty, clarity, and
stability for independent
traders – elements that have
been in short supply recently.
One of our primary
concerns is business rates. For
years, Bira has lobbied for a
comprehensive review of this
outdated system. We believe
that reducing business rates for
all high streets would inject
much-needed confi dence and
stability back into bricks-and-
mortar retail.
Energy costs continue to be a
signifi cant burden for many of
our members. While we
welcomed previous support
measures, we need a long-term
strategy that addresses the
unique needs of small business-
es. We’re hoping to see targeted
support for those most af ected,
coupled with incentives for
energy ef ciency improve-
ments.
The labour market presents
another challenge. Many
retailers are struggling with
recruitment and retention.
We’re looking for measures that
support skills development and
make it easier for small
businesses to invest in their
workforce.
Consumer confi dence is, of
course, crucial to our sector’s
success. We’re hoping for
policies that put more money in
people’s pockets, encouraging
spending on our high streets.
However, it’s not just about
direct fi nancial measures. We
need policies that recognise and
support the unique value of
independent retail. This could
include funding for high street
regeneration projects, support
for local business communities,
or initiatives to encourage ‘shop
local’ campaigns.
Digital transformation
remains a key issue and
sustainability is another area
where government support
could make a signifi cant
dif erence. Many of our
members are keen to adopt more
environmentally friendly
practices but fi nd the initial
costs prohibitive.
It’s clear that the decisions
made will have a profound
impact on the future of
independent retail. At Bira, we
remain committed to being a
strong voice for our members,
ensuring that the unique
challenges and opportunities of
our sector are understood and
addressed at the highest levels of
government.
Independent retailers are the
backbone of our high streets and
local communities. They bring
diversity, character, and
personal service that can’t be
replicated by large chains or
online giants. As such, support-
ing them is essential for
maintaining the vibrancy of our
towns and cities.
We look forward to analysing
the Autumn Statement in detail
and will continue to work
tirelessly to ensure that the
needs of independent retailers
are met, both in this fi scal event
and beyond. Our sector’s
resilience has been tested time
and again, but with the right
support, I’m confi dent that we
cannot just survive, but thrive in
the years to come.
The retail sector eagerly awaited yesterday’s Autumn Statement from
the new Labour government. Bira’s CEO, Andrew Goodacre, shares
his thoughts ahead of the announcements by Chancellor Rachel
Reeves on what independent retailers need and expect from this
crucial fi scal intervention.
The Autumn Statement – What
The Autumn Statement – What
independent retailers need
independent retailers need
Kliro and ICB launch
Kliro and ICB launch
Fortitude Spirits
Fortitude Spirits
Kliro Capital Partners, who acquired
ICB in June 2023, announced the
launch of Fortitude Spirits Group,
with the ambition to become one of
the leading independent UK spirits
companies.
It will comprise three divisions:
Fortitude Spirits, which will
create, nurture and scale distinctive
brands; Fortitude Drinks UK, will
leverage its 35-year history,
distributing Fortitude Spirits and
third-party brands across every UK
channel; and ICB Distillers will
expand its production capacity to
distil, blend and bottle the groups’
brands, as well as private label and
third-party products.
Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society
partners with PayPoint
partners with PayPoint
Alzheimer’s Society and PayPoint
have announced a partnership to
simplify and enhance cash dona-
tions and transactions. The collabo-
ration addresses the growing
challenges for charities when it
comes to handling cash, particularly
as high street banks and Post Of ce
branches become less accessible.
With nearly 30% of all charity
donations still made in cash, the
partnership provides a timely
solution to prevent any unnecessary
decline or delay in donations received
due to logistical challenges posed.
The service works with PayPoint
extensive network of 29,000
retailers across the UK.
Unilever sells Russian
Unilever sells Russian
subsidiary
subsidiary
British consumer goods giant
Unilever has completed the sale of its
Russian subsidiary to Arnest Group,
a Russian manufacturer of perfume,
cosmetics, and household products.
The sale includes all of Unilever’s
business in Russia and its four
factories in the country, along with
the business in Belarus.
“The completion of the sale ends
Unilever Russia’s presence,” said
CEO Hein Schumacher.
Last year, Unilever has come under
fi re from Kyiv, which placed the group
on Ukraine’s “International Sponsors
of War” list, claiming it continues to
profi t from operations in Russia.
By Andrew
Goodacre, CEO
of Bira (British
Independent
Retailers
Association)
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