NEWS
30 MAY 2025 ASIAN TRADER 7
NEWS
The cyber-attack on Marks &
Spencer has sent shockwaves
through the retail sector.
With operations disrupted
for weeks, stock shortages,
and customer data compro-
mised, it’s a stark reminder
that cyber-crime poses a
genuine threat.
But while M&S will
weather this storm with their
substantial resources, I’m
deeply concerned about our
independent retailers – small-
er businesses are increasingly
in the crosshairs of cyber
criminals.
Why? Because fraudsters
know that independents often
lack the robust security
measures of larger chains,
seeing them as low-hanging
fruit. This is the reality our
members face.
One in seven retailers takes
no steps to protect their data.
Meanwhile, remote purchase
fraud was £432.3 million in
2016, and the figure continues
to climb. Perhaps most telling
is that while 95% of businesses
consider cyber-security
important, nearly half have no
formal strategy in place.
For independent retailers,
the stakes couldn’t be higher. A
successful cyber-attack can
cause catastrophic cash-flow
problems, irreparable damage
to your reputation, and the
permanent loss of customer
loyalty. In a sector where 71%
of retailers place the highest
value on their customers,
protecting their data isn’t just
good business—it’s a funda-
mental responsibility.
Some members tell me,
“We’re too small to be
targeted” or “We don’t sell
online, so we’re safe.” Let me
be clear: if you hold customer
data for CRM purposes or
process payments electroni-
cally—you have something
cyber criminals want. In
today’s interconnected world,
no business is too small to be
noticed.
The most common attacks
against our members come
through deceptively simple
means. Phishing emails
claiming to be from HMRC or
your bank can look startlingly
genuine.
The good news? Protecting
yourself doesn’t require
massive investment or
technical expertise. The Cyber
Essentials Readiness Tool is an
excellent starting point,
guiding you through the
essential requirements with
clear, actionable advice.
This is why Bira partnered
with the Cyber Resilience
Centres across England and
Wales to provide members
with expert support. This
partnership ofers tremen-
dous value, including a free
30-minute review of your
current cyber setup, access to
resources from the National
Cyber Security Centre, and
regular updates on emerging
threats.
Simple measures make an
enormous diference. Train
your staf to spot suspicious
emails. Use strong, unique
passwords. Keep your systems
updated. Back up your data
regularly. These basic steps
significantly reduce your
vulnerability.
The M&S breach should
serve as a wake-up call. If a
retail giant with extensive
resources can fall victim,
independent retailers must be
especially vigilant.
For more information
about Bira, visit www.bira.
co.uk and search for cyber
security in our resource
section.
In his regular column, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre looks at the big
new threat to retail, that involves ransoms rather than robbers
Cyber security – small
Cyber security – small
retailers in the firing line
retailers in the firing line
AB InBev dominates
AB InBev dominates
global beer brands
global beer brands
Corona has been recognised as the
most valuable beer brand in the
world for the second year in
Kantar’s BrandZ 2025 Most
Valuable Global Brands report.
Eight out of the 10 most valuable
global beer brands belong to AB
InBev, according to the report
ranking the top brands in the world.
In 2024 AB InBev produced
all-time high revenue, including
double-digit growth for Corona out-
side its home market of Mexico and
triple-digit growth of no-alcohol
Corona Cero.
Corona is celebrating its
100-year anniversary this year.
Snappy Shopper initiative
Snappy Shopper initiative
for disabled shoppers
for disabled shoppers
Snappy Shopper has announced a
partnership with disability discount
platform Purpl to launch a new
initiative aimed at easing the cost of
living for millions of disabled people.
Through the collaboration,
eligible Purpl members will receive a
25% discount on their first online
grocery order, available through the
app and website.
It includes same-day delivery
(30–60 minutes) or click-and-col-
lect at local retailers. Additionally, all
Purpl users will benefit from three
months of free delivery, which
supports the 16.1 million people in
the UK – 24% – living with disabili-
ties.
East of England Co-op
East of England Co-op
returns to profit
returns to profit
The East of England Co-op has
returned to profit after a year of
investment and reshaping of its
business portfolio.
The regional co-operative made
a trading profit on continuing
operations of £1m, recovering from
a previous annual loss of £3.6m.
However, its revenue slipped
from £393.3m to £384.2m over the
12 months to 25 January 2025,
following several planned business
disposals.
CEO Andy Rigby said, “The next
challenge is ensuring this profit is
sustainable for our co-op and the
colleagues, members and commu-
nity that make us.”
By Andrew
Goodacre, CEO
of Bira (British
Independent
Retailers
Association)