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Are you up to speed with new ban on single-use plastics?

4 Oct 2023

From the start of October, bans and restrictions on single-use plastic cutlery, polystyrene cups and food containers, single-use balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and... Read more…

Cash still crucial for UK’s independent retailers

27 Sep 2023

A recent survey of retailers across the UK has shown that cash remains a crucial payment method for independent shops.
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Almost 2,000 more independent shops left empty in the first half of this year

27 Sep 2023

Almost 2,000 more British independent shops were left empty in the first half of this year, as small businesses struggled to cope with rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
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Indie shops in Liverpool create their own security network to combat shoplifters.

27 Sep 2023

An independent shop owner in Liverpool has said that independent shops in the city centre have taken to creating their own security WhatsApp group, warning each other of shoplifters in the... Read more…

Indie shops key to reversing fortunes of struggling high streets – university study finds.

27 Sep 2023

A focus on independent and ‘browse-only’ shops can help to reverse the fortunes of the struggling high street, according to an extensive study by Manchester Metropolitan University.
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Trade association welcomes Home Office ‘back-to-basics’ retail crime promise

13 Sep 2023

The recent pledge by police forces across England and Wales to pursue every lead that holds a reasonable chance of apprehending criminals and solving crimes has been welcomed by Bira, which... Read more…

Hidden basement bar in Liverpool named 'best vegan restaurant' in Britain

12 Sep 2023

A family-run Liverpool restaurant hidden inside a basement is officially Britain's best vegan venue.
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Shoplifters working in organised groups targeting shops with co-ordinated raids

11 Sep 2023

A warning has been issued that shoplifters in the UK are becoming increasingly “emboldened” and appear to be often orchestrated by organised criminal groups, which steal to order,... Read more…

Shops urged to prepare for single-use plastics ban coming into force on 1 October

11 Sep 2023

It has been suggested that some shop owners may be unaware or unprepared for the upcoming change to regulations on single-use plastics on plates, bowls, trays, containers, cutlery and balloon... Read more…

National Lottery retailers urged to transfer retail agreement to new operator.

30 Aug 2023

Allwyn, incoming operator of The National Lottery, has urged independent National Lottery retailers to log on to its new online retailer portal via Read more…

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Bira calls for level playing field as Amazon UK Services pays zero corporation tax again

Posted on in Business News

Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association, has expressed its concern and frustration after it was revealed that Amazon UK Services had, for the second consecutive year, paid zero corporation tax in the UK.

Amazon page

This news has once again raised questions about the fairness of the tax system and the advantage it provides to large international corporations compared to small independent retailers.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said:

“It is disheartening to see yet another large international company, making millions of pounds in revenue, avoiding paying tax in the UK. These companies have access to tax experts and can exploit significant tax credits, which places them in a distinct advantage over the small independent retail sector. This glaring example further strengthens Bira’s resolve to advocate for a fairer tax system, ensuring that the tax burden for UK PLC is distributed more equitably among these large corporations.”

The revelation that Amazon UK Services has avoided paying corporation tax for two consecutive years highlights a growing concern among small independent retailers who face the challenges of high taxes and increasing competition from online giants.

Bira believes that a level playing field is essential for the survival and growth of independent retailers, who contribute significantly to the local economy and provide unique products and services to communities across the UK.

Bira continues to lobby for reforms that address the disparity between the tax obligations of large corporations and those of small independent businesses. The association aims to ensure that the tax system fosters fairness and supports the growth of the UK retail sector as a whole.

“We call on the government to review and reform the tax regulations to create a more balanced playing field for all businesses. It is imperative that we address the issue of tax avoidance by large corporations and strive for a system that encourages fair competition and supports the growth of independent retailers,” added Mr Goodacre.

Bira remains committed to representing the interests of independent retailers across the country and will continue to advocate for changes that promote fairness, sustainability, and a thriving retail landscape.

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