Retail body backs report from high-street champion

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the findings of a new report which calls for more post-pandemic support for indie retailers.

'Against All Odds' - by high street champion Bill Grimsey - calls for support measures, including the 'writing off' of debts accrued during the pandemic.

The Grimsey Report warns that if the Government fail to intervene, up to 50,000 independent businesses could collapse.

Andrew Goodacre (pictured), Bira's CEO, said: “We welcome the latest report from Bill Grimsey - Against All Odds.

“It is always welcome when people analyse the independent retail sector and confirm what we have always known; that indie retailers have shown great resilience and creativity to deal with the pandemic and it is clear that they are at the heart of every good high street.

“The report also highlights the problem of debt to small businesses who would not normally have debt in their business model. The debt was taken on to deal with extensive lockdown periods in the past 16 months.

“Bira has continually campaigned for more support for independent retailers and the report has highlighted a real threat to their survival.

“We would like to see the Chancellor address the problem of the debt and remove business rates for these businesses so that there is more cash in the business to address the debt.

“This could be funded by the £2+ billion rates rebates returned by large essential retailers last year. ”