Read Bira's Sustainability Statement and sign up for free training course

The British Independent Retail Association is committed to leading the independent retail sector in minimising the impact of its activities on the environment, we believe that by supporting our members to achieve this will be the key to its success.

The key points of its strategy to achieve this are:

• Placing sustainability at the heart of our organisation so we can support our members with openness and transparency.
• Supporting, encouraging and guiding our members and the independent retailing sector to become more sustainable through best-practice collaboration.
• Focus on behaviour change along with robust practical steps to reduce environmental impact and encourage tangible steps to ensure indie retailers continue to run profitable, successful, businesses.
• Actively promote recycling both internally and amongst its members and their suppliers.
• Commitment to the promotion of product ranges through BIRA Direct that minimises the environmental impact of both production and distribution that will be available.
• Continue to lobby the government and share members' challenges and barriers to create meaningful long-term solutions.

Small positive actions taken by members will collectively make a real difference and delivers a positive message of encouragement to the shoppers who visit our vibrant high street.

Free sustainability programme for small businesses

Sustainability within your business is not just about having a positive impact on the world around you but can bring fantastic commercial advantages. 

Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business is a new programme delivered by Small Business Britain which offers key training on exciting topics such as sustainable marketing, finance and accreditations. The programme includes 6 weekly online teaching sessions starting on the 7^th of February. 

All webinars will be recorded and uploaded to a private page on the Small Business Britain website which you will be to access.

Sign up here. 

By signing up to the first module, you will automatically be added to the remaining five webinars.

You will also gain access to an active and supportive Facebook community of like-minded businesses. 

Modules and dates:

•        7^th Feb 11 am - The Basics – The latest on energy, transport, and the opportunities that being a sustainable business can bring.
•        14^th Feb 11 am - Sustainable Marketing: how to market your business sustainably, how to market your sustainable creds and how to talk about it and maximise it for business value and growth
•        21^st Feb 11 am. - Building a Green Community: Learn how a strong peer group, community support, local eco-systems and local initiatives can greatly enhance and build your sustainable practices and knowledge.
•        28^th Feb 11 am - Measurement: Measuring carbon, measuring impact and measuring your progress.
•        7^th March 11 am - Financing Sustainability: Learn about grants, other sources of cash, bootstrapping opportunities and more!
•        14^th March 11 am - Accreditations: Learn how to apply, who to apply to, what helps, what works for customers, bids, consumers, costs and what is coming next.

For more information download the course brochure here.