Message to the New PM

Andy Burnham has been Prime Minister for a matter of days, and he's already announced a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues. In this episode of High Street Matters, Bira asks what that means for the rest of the high street, and sets out exactly what independent retailers need from the new government.

Host Jeff Moody is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, Surinder Josan, past president of Bira and owner of All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, and John Jones, current president of Bira and managing partner of Philip Morris and Son in Hereford.

Together they look back at a tough few years for independent retail, react to the new PM's early policy moves, and lay out a funded proposal that could raise £6.5 billion for the Treasury by closing the low value import loophole and tackling online VAT fraud, more than enough to pay for wider business rates relief.

With the autumn Budget on the horizon, this episode is a clear message to Number 10: independent retailers deserve the same level of support as the businesses making headlines.

To contact Bira about the content of this podcast episode, please email policy@bira.co.uk.

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk. For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk. To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.

The Cost of Playing Music in Your Shop | High Street Matters S2E6

Many independent retailers don't realise they need a music licence simply for playing background music in their shops - and the consequences of getting it wrong can be expensive and stressful.

In this episode of High Street Matters, host Claire Leigh is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, Grant Thompson from Background Sounds, and Mel Beard, Chair of Health Stores UK.

They explore the complex world of music licensing, revealing that there are around 60 different tariffs from PRS and PPL, and that retailers caught without a licence face a 50% premium on top of standard costs. Grant explains how royalty-free music works as an alternative, offering an average 70% saving, while Mel shares her experience of navigating the licensing landscape and why she chose the royalty-free route.

The episode covers what retailers need to know about their obligations, how to switch from existing licences, and why background music matters for creating the right atmosphere in shops.

Find out more at https://bira.co.uk/benefits/royalty-free-music/

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk. For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk. To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.

Pubs Yes Retailers No - Why the Government's High Street Response Misses The Mark

In this episode of High Street Matters, the team responds to the Government's January 2026 announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief while excluding independent retailers entirely.

Host Jeff Moody is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, and John Jones, managing partner of Philip Morrison Sons department store in Hereford, to examine why this policy has been called "fundamentally misdirected".

The episode reveals that only 32% of pubs are actually on high streets, raising questions about a policy supposedly designed to support communities and town centres. Andrew explains how business rates relief originally covered retail, hospitality and leisure together, recognising they share the same challenges.

John shares the reality of running an independent store, facing the same cost pressures as pubs plus the additional burden of retail crime. The discussion explores why retailers can't invest without long-term certainty, and examines research from Southampton University showing voters rank high streets as their third most important local issue.

An honest conversation about policy that doesn't match the government's rhetoric about supporting high streets.

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk. For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk. To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.

Smart Retail Revolution - How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers

Many think AI is only for big chains with massive budgets and technical teams. But the truth is, AI tools are now accessible, affordable, and could be the key to helping small retailers compete more effectively than ever before.

In this episode, host Claire Leigh is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy and Insights at CI&T, and Thomas Akintan, co-founder of Avalon Insights, to explore what AI actually means for independent retailers in practical terms.

Discover striking new research showing that 61% of consumers use AI tools when shopping, yet 68% can't name a single retailer delivering a memorable AI experience - revealing a major opportunity for independents who get it right.

Learn where to start with AI, which free tools can make an immediate difference, and how to use technology to augment your business without losing the personal touch that sets you apart. From creating social media content to analysing customer feedback, the experts share practical, actionable advice you can implement this week.

Whether you're excited about AI or feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you understand how accessible technology can help you work smarter, reach new customers, and compete with the big players - without needing a computer science degree or breaking the bank.

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk. For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk. To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.

In this special Budget reaction episode, recorded shortly after the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Andrew Goodacre and John Jones from Philip Morris & Son examine what the Government's promised "transformation" really means for independent retailers.

They discuss business rates increases of up to 45%, the four-year delay in closing the low-value import loophole, rising National Living Wage costs, and why John believes there's nothing in this Budget that drives the growth independent retailers desperately need.

A frank assessment of the gap between what was promised and the harsh reality facing Britain's high streets.

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters!

Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk.

For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk.

To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.