High Street Matters

Who is really behind shop theft? In this episode of High Street Matters, leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor, Professor of Criminology at City St. George's, University of London, lifts the lid on the market for stolen goods and why it is now driving the crime.   Professor Taylor explains her research for the National Business Crime Centre, which followed stolen goods from the hyperlocal, where items are sold on just down the road, to international markets run by organised criminals. She reveals why offenders increasingly work from shopping lists, with thieves who have a buyer lined up getting at least half of the retail price, compared with around a third when they sell afterwards. She also describes the vulnerable, addicted adults caught up in this ecosystem, and warns of the damage illicit shops are doing to high streets.   Professor Taylor is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, who shares why so many retailers never report the crime and what they can do now. The episode is hosted by Jeff Moody, COO of Bira. 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 [email protected]. 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.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 episode of High Street Matters, we tackle a subject that many independent retailers think doesn't apply to them: cyber security. The harsh reality is that small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, and the "it won't happen to me" mentality can be dangerously costly.   Host Jeff Moody is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, who discusses why independent retailers often have their heads in the sand about cyber threats. Melissa Minkow, Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T and retail futurist, shares alarming statistics revealing that 61% of small and medium businesses were targeted by cyber attacks in 2021, and explains the most common threats facing retailers today.   We also hear from Andrew Maben of Kevin's Schoolwear in London, a Bira member who experienced a DDoS attack firsthand. Andrew shares his story of discovering his website had been compromised, the two-week disruption it caused, and his biggest realisations about vulnerability.   The episode provides practical, actionable advice on protecting your business without breaking the bank, from implementing multi-factor authentication to creating crisis management plans. Because when it comes to cyber security, no business is too small to be a target—or to take action. 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 [email protected]. 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.

High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter. Click here to see the video version of this episode on our Youtube page Worried about negative reviews damaging your business? Think again.   In this episode, discover how you can turn customer feedback into your secret weapon for growth. Host Claire Leigh speaks with Alicia Skubick, Chief Customer Officer at Trustpilot, and Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, about why embracing reviews - good and bad - can transform your business.   Learn how one wedding dress shop increased sales by 50% after acting on customer feedback, and how a hardware store launched a profitable new service based on a negative review.   You'll discover practical tips on encouraging reviews, responding to criticism professionally, and using feedback to spot blind spots in your business. Plus, find out why 80% of consumers are influenced by reviews and how authentic responses build stronger customer relationships than perfect ratings.   Don't fear the feedback - use it to build a better business. Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for 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 [email protected]. 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.

High Street Matters: Rights and Risks - The Employment Challenge Facing Britain's High Streets Independent retailers are bracing for what employment law experts are calling a "tectonic shift" in workplace regulations. In this crucial episode of High Street Matters, journalist Steve Dyson explores the sweeping changes set to affect nine million employees and transform how small businesses operate. Gerry O'Hare, Legal Director at Worknest, warns of "generational changes" including day one dismissal rights, statutory sick pay from day one, and enhanced harassment prevention duties. Meanwhile, John Jones from Philip Morris & Son in Hereford shares the frontline reality of these reforms, explaining how they threaten business viability for retailers already struggling with rising costs. The panel tackles specific questions raised by Bira members about everything from probationary periods to flexible working requests and zero hours contracts, providing practical guidance on navigating these complex changes. Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveals the association's efforts to influence government policy and urges retailers to engage with their local MPs before it's too late. With most changes taking effect in 2026, this episode provides essential insights into what's coming and how businesses can prepare. Discover the practical implications, timeline, and survival strategies every independent retailer needs to know. Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for 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 [email protected]. 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.

High Street Matters: Beyond Cars - Creating Vibrant High Streets Through Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Are low traffic neighbourhoods killing local businesses, or breathing new life into our high streets? This episode of High Street Matters explores how reducing vehicle traffic is transforming shopping districts across Britain. Host Steve Dyson interviews Natalie Lindsay from London's Wandsworth Bridge Road Association about their journey to reclaim a busy main road as a thriving high street. Their annual street fair now attracts 20,000 visitors, proving that people-friendly spaces can increase footfall. In Birmingham's trendy Kings Heath suburb, Henry Poultney explains how pedestrianising York Road transformed his Grace and James wine and cheese shop into a bustling café destination. With outdoor seating and a continental atmosphere, his business has shifted from 50% retail to 75% hospitality. The episode also features Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, who emphasises the importance of including local businesses in planning decisions, noting that "when we think about high streets we want places where people can have a sense of freedom." Essential listening for independent retailers, local authorities and community groups looking to revitalise their high streets by putting people before cars. Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and much more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 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.