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, Melissa Minkow, Global Director of Retail Strategy and Insights at CI&T, and Thomas Akintan, co-founder of Avalon Insights, to explore what AI actually means for independent retailers in practical terms.Discover striking new research showing that 61% of consumers use AI tools when shopping, yet 68% can't name a single retailer delivering a memorable AI experience - revealing a major opportunity for independents who get it right.

Learn where to start with AI, which free tools can make an immediate difference, and how to use technology to augment your business without losing the personal touch that sets you apart. From creating social media content to analysing customer feedback, the experts share practical, actionable advice you can implement this week.

Whether you're excited about AI or feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you understand how accessible technology can help you work smarter, reach new customers, and compete with the big players - without needing a computer science degree or breaking the bank.

Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters! Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk.

For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit https://www.bira.co.uk. To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page at https://bira.co.uk/resources/podcast/

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 National Living Wage costs, and why John believes there's nothing in this Budget that drives the growth independent retailers desperately need.
A frank assessment of the gap between what was promised and the harsh reality facing Britain's high streets.
Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters!
Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk.
For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk.
To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.

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 independent retailers often have their heads in the sand about cyber threats. Melissa Minkow, Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T and retail futurist, shares alarming statistics revealing that 61% of small and medium businesses were targeted by cyber attacks in 2021, and explains the most common threats facing retailers today.

We also hear from Andrew Maben of Kevin's Schoolwear in London, a Bira member who experienced a DDoS attack firsthand. Andrew shares his story of discovering his website had been compromised, the two-week disruption it caused, and his biggest realisations about vulnerability.

The episode provides practical, actionable advice on protecting your business without breaking the bank, from implementing multi-factor authentication to creating crisis management plans. Because when it comes to cyber security, no business is too small to be a target—or to take action.
Subscribe now so you don't miss future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and many more high street matters!
Hear something you want to follow up on? Listener enquiries can be sent to info@bira.co.uk.
For more on Bira's mission supporting Britain's independent retailers, visit www.bira.co.uk.
To see the full High Street Matters series visit our podcast resource page.