Member Testimonials

Bira members since 2017, Claire Leigh talks to Bira about her fashion, gifts and homeware store, Two Ducks in Surrey about the benefits of Bira membership.

"Bira’s newsletters are a great source of information and advice and whenever I need to contact the association, I have always found the team friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. There's also a whole host of discounts and initiatives that you can benefit from when you become a member."

Bira members since 1996, Surinder Josan of independent DIY store All Seasons DIY in Smethwick, discusses independent retail and how Bira has helped him along the way.

"The single biggest reason for an independent retailer to become a member is the services but Bira is also a lot more than that - it's like a mini head office for independent retailers."

Bira members since 2019, Lucy Matthews talks to Bira about her two bookshops, Bookends, based in Cumbria and the benefits of Bira membership.

"Bira save us a lot on bank charges but it's also good to know there's someone on the other end of the phone you can go to for support."

Bira members since 2004, Sam Hale shares her business journey and how membership has supported her in the prcoess. The ‘running store for everyone’, Advance Performance is based in both Peterborough and Cambridge.

"We first heard about the credit card fees which have made a real difference to our costs. Being a member of Bira has helped me in so many ways to save time and money."

Bira members since 2003, Lauren Siddle talks about Sands of Penrith and how Bira membership has supported her business. 

"Bira Direct helps us with our invoicing as we can order from many suppliers and it comes as one invoice which saves us a lot of time. Bira Legal also helps us with any staff or customer issues that we may have. I would definitely recommend other retailers join Bira."

Bira members since 1992, William Coe talks about his third-generation, family-owned clothing retail business, Coes and how membership has helped them. 

"Being a member of Bira has helped us enormously over the years. The reason you should join Bira is to prove that you are not alone. The ability to share ideas and concerns with other retailers is invaluable."

Bira member since 2006 and family-owned business, Keith Nichols, talks to Bira about Northumbria Pets and how Bira membership has helped him business. 

"The main service I use is Bira Direct which offers me discounts on most of the suppliers I use, meaning we can make a little more profit. Membership means I've got somebody at the end of the phone to speak to at any time."

Bira members since 1994, Rachna Patel, Product Director at Lords talks to Bira about the department store and how Bira membership has support their business. 

"The Bira services range from card payments to buying so they can pretty much help you with everything that it takes to run a business. Bira gives you the opportunity to feel that you are part of a bigger group."