About this podcast
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 from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.
‘High Street Matters’ will discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking and staffing, providing top tips to help to help businesses stay ahead of the retail curve.
For more details about Bira visit www.bira.co.uk
Episodes
- Stolen To Order · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 8Who is really behind shop theft? In this episode of High Street Matters, leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor, Professor of Criminology at City St. George’s…
- Message to the New PM · 21 min · Season 2 Episode 7Message to the New PM Andy Burnham has been Prime Minister for a matter of days, and he's already announced a 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues. In…
- The Cost of Playing Music in Your Shop | High Street Matters S2E6 · 32 min · Season 2 Episode 6The 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…
- Pubs Yes Retailers No - Why the Government's High Street Response Misses The Mark · 33 min · Season 2 Episode 5Pubs 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…
- Smart Retail Revolution How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers · 41 min · Season 2 Episode 4Smart 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…
- The Autumn Budget - A Reaction from Independent Retailers · 25 min · Season 2 Episode 3In 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…
- High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime · 34 min · Season 2 Episode 2In 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…
- High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter · 34 min · Season 2 Episode 1High 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…
- High Street Matters: Rights and Risks - The Employment Challenge Facing Britain's High Streets · 37 minHigh 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…
- High Street Matters: Beyond Cars - Creating Vibrant High Streets Through Low Traffic Neighbourhoods · 34 minHigh Street Matters: Beyond Cars - Creating Vibrant High Streets Through Low Traffic Neighbourhoods Are low traffic neighbourhoods killing local businesses, or breathing new…
- High Street Matters Podcast: Greening the High Street - Smart Solutions for Sustainable Retail · 31 minWant to make your retail business more sustainable while boosting profits? This episode of High Street Matters reveals how independent retailers are successfully embracing…
- High Street Matters: Inside the Mind of Shop Thieves · 27 minStep inside the mind of shop thieves as leading criminologist Professor Emmeline Taylor and Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveal the psychology driving retail crime. From…
- High Street Matters: Local Visibility to Get Your Products Noticed · 35 minEver 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…
- High Street Matters: AI and Retail - Boost your social media output with AI · 28 minIn 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…
- High Street Matters: Election Special - What the High Street Needs from the Government · 29 minIn 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…
- High Street Matters: Accessibility - Unlocking the High Street · 35 minHigh Street Matters: Accessibility - Unlocking The High Street This podcast from Bira explores how prioritising accessibility can unlock new opportunities for independent…
- High Street Matters: Exploring Retail Crime with Bira · 41 minBira'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…
- High Street Matters | Coming Soon · 1 minWelcome 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…
