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.

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 - can transform your business. Learn how one wedding dress shop increased sales by 50% after acting on customer feedback, and how a hardware store launched a profitable new service based on a negative review.

You'll discover practical tips on encouraging reviews, responding to criticism professionally, and using feedback to spot blind spots in your business. Plus, find out why 80% of consumers are influenced by reviews and how authentic responses build stronger customer relationships than perfect ratings.

Don't fear the feedback - use it to build a better business.

Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for 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.

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.

Gerry O'Hare, Legal Director at Worknest, warns of "generational changes" including day one dismissal rights, statutory sick pay from day one, and enhanced harassment prevention duties. Meanwhile, John Jones from Philip Morris & Son in Hereford shares the frontline reality of these reforms, explaining how they threaten business viability for retailers already struggling with rising costs. The panel tackles specific questions raised by Bira members about everything from probationary periods to flexible working requests and zero hours contracts, providing practical guidance on navigating these complex changes.

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre reveals the association's efforts to influence government policy and urges retailers to engage with their local MPs before it's too late. With most changes taking effect in 2026, this episode provides essential insights into what's coming and how businesses can prepare.

Discover the practical implications, timeline, and survival strategies every independent retailer needs to know.

Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for 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.

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 Bridge Road Association about their journey to reclaim a busy main road as a thriving high street. Their annual street fair now attracts 20,000 visitors, proving that people-friendly spaces can increase footfall.

In Birmingham's trendy Kings Heath suburb, Henry Poultney explains how pedestrianising York Road transformed his Grace and James wine and cheese shop into a bustling café destination. With outdoor seating and a continental atmosphere, his business has shifted from 50% retail to 75% hospitality.

The episode also features Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre, who emphasises the importance of including local businesses in planning decisions, noting that "when we think about high streets we want places where people can have a sense of freedom."

Essential listening for independent retailers, local authorities and community groups looking to revitalise their high streets by putting people before cars.

Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for future episodes tackling themes like accessibility, retail crime, and much 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.

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 packaging schemes, discover how small changes can lead to significant savings.

The episode also features Keith Hunt, owner of Our Precious Earth, whose zero-waste shop in Minehead demonstrates how sustainability can drive business success.

Learn how simple changes like switching to LED lighting can save hundreds of pounds annually and discover why customers are increasingly choosing retailers who minimise single-use plastics. The episode explores practical solutions for retailers of all sizes, with expert guidance on upcoming recycling legislation and energy-saving techniques.

Essential listening for independent retailers looking to reduce their environmental impact while improving their bottom line.

Subscribe now to have this podcast sent directly to your podcast platform. Then get ready for future episodes tackling themes like retail crime, accessibility, and much 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, including our March episode on exploring retail crime, visit our podcast resource page.

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 get ready for future episodes tackling themes like hazardous substances legislation, the cycle to work scheme and much 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, including our March episode on exploring retail crime, visit our podcast resource page.