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High Street Matters

High Street Matters

By: British Independent Retailers Association
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About this listen

 Welcome to 'High Street Matters', a podcast from Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association. We'll be talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality. 'High Street Matters' will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve. For more details about Bira visit www.bira.co.uk2024 Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime

    High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime
    Oct 22 2025
    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 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.
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    34 mins
  • High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter

    High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter
    Sep 25 2025
    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 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.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • High Street Matters: Rights and Risks - The Employment Challenge Facing Britain's High Streets

    High Street Matters: Rights and Risks - The Employment Challenge Facing Britain's High Streets
    Jun 3 2025

    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 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.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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