Update: Bira/Retra
Bira calls action to disrupt global fraud and cyber-crime networks a ‘welcome development’
The UK is working with the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to strengthen international eff orts to tackle fraud and online scams, with governments, law enforcement and industry set to work more closely to identify and disrupt criminal networks.
B
ira CEO Andrew Goodacre said the move was welcome as criminals
increasingly operate across borders, warning that cybercrime is a growing problem for businesses of all sizes, not just major retailers. “Bira welcomes this development. Cybercrime
is a growing problem, and this trend is likely to continue,” said Mr Goodacre. “We welcome a cohesive international eff ort, as
there is growing evidence that the criminals do not respect borders as they look to scam individuals and companies alike. We must also remember that cybercrime is not just for the large retailers!” The measures were backed at the Five
Country Ministerial in Sydney by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her counterparts and will include faster intelligence-sharing to identify fraud operations spanning multiple countries, including scam centres. Governments, law enforcement and industry will also coordinate action to shut down the accounts, services and communications channels used by criminals to target victims and move illicit funds, while telecommunications providers, technology companies and fi nancial institutions will help develop recommendations to strengthen protection against online scams and fi nancial crime. For high street businesses, the increased focus on cooperation is particularly relevant as independent retailers can also be targeted by scams, fraud and other forms of cybercrime, with criminals exploiting digital systems and communications used by businesses to steal money or sensitive information. The Five Eyes partners have also backed enhanced international support for the UK-led INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce, which will map organised fraud networks, generate intelligence, identify links between criminal groups and support international operations to disrupt their activities. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Fraud is a scourge on our society, ruining lives and costing victims billions of pounds every year. “Criminal gangs don’t respect borders, so our
response can’t be restricted by them. By deepening international co-operation and working more closely with industry, we can track down fraudsters, disrupt their operations, and better
Autumn 2026
Right: Jeff Moody, Commercial Director of Retra and Chief Commercial Offi cer of Bira
Below: Andrew Goodacre, CEO, Bira
the challenges facing local communities and high streets. While the renewed focus is welcome, Bira believes bold action will be needed if independent retailers are to see meaningful improvements. The Treasury’s annual Budget consultation
gives businesses, trade bodies and other stakeholders the opportunity to infl uence Government policy before Budget decisions are made. Bira will be submitting a response on behalf of the independent retail sector, hence, recently sought feedback from members to help strengthen its case.
protect the public. “Together, we must make it harder for
criminals to profi t from fraud and easier to bring them to justice.” The government has also committed £250 million through its new Fraud Strategy to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, tackle scams at their source and improve support for victims. For small and medium-sized retailers looking to
strengthen their defences, the NCSC is holding a webinar on cyber resilience, covering practical steps businesses can take to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Autumn Budget 2026 “The Government has put high streets back on the agenda, but if we are to see real positive change, it will require bold and practical measures that support independent retailers. This consultation is an important opportunity to infl uence policy, and we ask our members’ voices to be heard,” says Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO With high streets back in the national spotlight,
in August, Bira recently urged independent retailers to share their views ahead of this year’s Autumn Budget consultation. The call came as the Prime Minister toured towns and cities across the UK to understand
Key priorities for independent retailers Bira’s initial proposals focus on six key areas that it believes could make a signifi cant diff erence to independent businesses. • At the top of the list is business rates reform. We’re calling for a return to the 75% business rates discount previously available to retailers, up to a value of £110,000, and we want to ensure that no independent retailer faces higher rates bills next year. The association also wants to see more meaningful long-term reform of the business rates system. • Bira is also proposing an increase in the Employers’ National Insurance allowance to £20,000 to help off set the impact of previous increases in National Insurance Contributions. • In addition, Bira is calling on the Government to bring forward plans to close the low-value imports loophole. While changes are currently scheduled for 2028, we would like to see them implemented by 2027. • Bira is also urging ministers to tackle VAT fraud by overseas online sellers by April 2027. • Retail crime remains another key concern. Bira is calling for continued investment in community and neighbourhood policing to help tackle theft and anti-social behaviour aff ecting town centres. • We’re also proposing a national approach to reducing the cost of town centre parking, arguing that aff ordable parking can play an important role in encouraging shoppers back to local high streets. The fi nal Autumn Budget will no doubt be of great interest to all independent retailers.
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