High Street Matters

The Cost of Playing Music in Your Shop | High Street Matters S2E6 Many independent retailers don't realise they need a music licence simply for playing background music in their shops - and the consequences of getting it wrong can be expensive and stressful. In this episode of High Street Matters, host Claire Leigh is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, Grant Thompson from Background Sounds, a...

Pubs Yes Retailers No - Why the Government's High Street Response Misses The Mark In this episode of High Street Matters, the team responds to the Government's January 2026 announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief while excluding independent retailers entirely. Host Jeff Moody is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, and John Jones, managing partner of Philip Morrison Sons depa...

Smart Retail Revolution - How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers Many think AI is only for big chains with massive budgets and technical teams. But the truth is, AI tools are now accessible, affordable, and could be the key to helping small retailers compete more effectively than ever before. In this episode, host Claire Leigh is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, Mel...

In this special Budget reaction episode, recorded shortly after the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Andrew Goodacre and John Jones from Philip Morris & Son examine what the Government's promised "transformation" really means for independent retailers. They discuss business rates increases of up to 45%, the four-year delay in closing the low-value import loophole, rising Nation...

In this episode of High Street Matters, we tackle a subject that many independent retailers think doesn't apply to them: cyber security. The harsh reality is that small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals, and the "it won't happen to me" mentality can be dangerously costly.  Host Jeff Moody is joined by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, who discusses why ind...

High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter. Worried about negative reviews damaging your business? Think again. In this episode, discover how you can turn customer feedback into your secret weapon for growth. Host Claire Leigh speaks with Alicia Skubick, Chief Customer Officer at Trustpilot, and Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, about why embracing reviews - good and bad -...

High Street Matters: Rights and Risks - The Employment Challenge Facing Britain's High Streets Independent retailers are bracing for what employment law experts are calling a "tectonic shift" in workplace regulations. In this crucial episode of High Street Matters, journalist Steve Dyson explores the sweeping changes set to affect nine million employees and transform how small businesses operate....

High Street Matters: Beyond Cars - Creating Vibrant High Streets Through Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Are low traffic neighbourhoods killing local businesses, or breathing new life into our high streets? This episode of High Street Matters explores how reducing vehicle traffic is transforming shopping districts across Britain. Host Steve Dyson interviews Natalie Lindsay from London's Wandsworth Brid...

Want to make your retail business more sustainable while boosting profits? This episode of High Street Matters reveals how independent retailers are successfully embracing eco-friendly practices without breaking the bank. Host Steve Dyson interviews Victoria Robertshaw, founder of Green Street, about practical ways retailers can reduce costs through sustainability. From LED lighting to returnable...

Step inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime. From drug-affected persistent offenders to organised criminal gangs, understand why they target independent shops and what can be done to protect businesses. Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your preferred platform. Then...

Ever wondered how many local customers are searching online for products you have in stock? In this episode, discover how high street shops are making their inventory visible to online shoppers in real-time. Host Steve Dyson interviews Nick Brackenbury of Near St about technology that's helping independent retailers compete with online giants. Born from a frustrating search for a light bulb, this...

In this episode of High Street Matters we discuss ways small independent retailers can utilise AI to help them promote their business on social media. AI (or Artificial Intelligence) is the buzzword of the moment, but how can small businesses us AI to benefit them?  Are there cost effective solutions?  Can AI actually be easy to use? Listen to find the answers to all these questions can...

In this latest episode of High Street Matters by Bira, we dive into the pressing concerns of independent traders across the country.  What do these small businesses need from the new Labour Government now they are in power?  Join us as we explore the critical issues they face, from taxes, national insurance rates, and business rates to the complexities of regulations. We’ll also cover th...

High Street Matters: Accessibility - Unlocking The High Street   This podcast from Bira explores how prioritising accessibility can unlock new opportunities for independent retailers on the high street. This episode delves into the commercial benefits of creating a more inclusive shopping experience.   Featuring insights from industry experts including Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, the podca...

Bira's "High Street Matters" Kicks Off with Retail Crime Episode The premiere Podcast of " High Street Matters " tackles the escalating retail crime crisis plaguing Britain's high streets. Hosted by journalist Steve Dyson, this hard-hitting first installment lays bare the shocking realities independent retailers are facing within the UK. Listeners can hear the startling statistics from Bira's 2024...

Welcome to  ‘High Street Matters’ , a podcast from Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association. We’ll be talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and fr...