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Bira Conference a huge success with ACT members in attendance

25 Oct 2024

ACT members were in attendance at the hugely successful Bira Conference in London last week, featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers providing valuable insights from independent retail... Read more…

Bira cautiously welcomes retail sales growth but calls for continued support

11 Oct 2024

ACT parent company Bira has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for September 2024
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FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

3 Oct 2024

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also... Read more…

Award-winning gin distillery to open new shop in Morecambe

3 Oct 2024

A family-run gin company is set to open a new distillery and shop in Morecambe.
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‘Largest independent bookshop in the country’ to open in York

3 Oct 2024

Independent booksellers Topping & Company will open a new bookshop over multiple floors in central York in autumn 2025.
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Three quarters of British shoppers would ban paper receipts on eco grounds, new data shows

3 Oct 2024

3 in 4 Britons (77%) would ban paper receipts if they knew how many trees were cut down to generate them – and millennials are the most eco-conscious (rising to 87%).
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Bira Urges Chancellor to Safeguard Independent Retail in Upcoming Autumn Statement

24 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is set to address critical issues facing the UK's high streets at its upcoming Annual Conference, marking the event's return after a six-year... Read more…

Independent Retailers Association says steady inflation at 2.2% provides stability, but calls for interest rate reductio

19 Sep 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said the inflation rate holding steady at 2.2% in August provides some stability for the high street - but stresses the Bank of England... Read more…

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Cash Processing – A Guide for Businesses

17 Sep 2024

UK Finance and others who form the Cash Industry Environment Charter have been discussing best practices when it comes to cash deposits, and as a result have produced a short guide on reducing... Read more…

Local crafters band together to sell handmade goods in new shop

17 Sep 2024

A group of crafters have banded together to open a new store in Wickham, Hampshire selling their own handmade goods.
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Fed expresses alarm at ‘runaway’ shoplifting incidents.

Posted on in Business News

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has expressed alarm at new figures that show shoplifting at its highest level in 20 years.

Wine theft

According to the Office for National Statistics, shop thefts in England and Wales were up by 32% in the year to September 2023.

Fed national president Muntazir Dipoti said: “Shop theft is not victimless. It blights the lives of independent retailers on a daily basis and has significant implications for a store’s viability.

“I am sure that every member has been affected by shop theft at some point and, sadly, many incidents of shoplifting are becoming increasingly violent.”

He added that the cost-of-living crisis and social media have helped fuel the runaway increase in shoplifting offences.

“We are seeing regular customers turning to shoplifting because they can’t afford to live,” he claimed.

It was also possible that the levels were even higher, as many independent retailers were reluctant to report crimes because of poor police responses and “paltry” punishments if offenders did come to court.

Dipoti said: “Retailers are disillusioned by the lack of police action when crimes are committed, so they do not report them.

“Tackling shop theft has to be given the energy and priority it deserves from the police, police and crime commissioners and from MPs – and independent retailers should be given financial support so they can invest in better-quality CCTV to protect them, their staff and their businesses.”

Last year, the Fed launched its “Safe, Secure, Supported” campaign calling for government grants of £1,500 to help independent retailers beef up their security systems.

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