Bira, which represents more than 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, is pressing the government for support ahead of the Budget as retailers confront rising costs. The association warned that the average independent retailer could face a business rates bill 25% higher next year than this year, before inflation.
The group's requests focus on three areas. It is calling for targeted rates relief, an increase in the Employment Allowance to help reduce staffing costs, and greater flexibility for small businesses to switch energy suppliers.
Bira has also welcomed reports that the government plans to fund business rates cuts by requiring online marketplaces to collect VAT. It wants confirmation that the money raised will go directly towards high street rates relief.
The association said the Budget could be significant for independent gift shops and greetings card retailers, which are already working with tight margins. For these businesses, the measures could determine their ability to manage costs and continue investing in their operations.
Bira's intervention places the concerns of smaller independent retailers at the centre of the Budget debate. The association has set out specific areas where it believes government action could ease cost pressures, while linking proposed online marketplace VAT collection to high street support.