Feature: Retra Update
Supporting Electrical
Retailers Through Policy Challenges
An update from Jeff Moody, Retra Director/Bira’s Chief Commercial Offi cer.
S
ince 1942, Retra has been the dedicated voice of independent electrical retailers
across the UK. In the wake of the Spring Statement delivered in March 2025, the association’s lobbying work has taken on renewed urgency as members continue to face what many have described as a “perfect storm” of policy challenges. The Chancellor’s Spring Statement, which made no specifi c provisions for the independent retail sector, left many Retra members concerned about their immediate trading prospects. Working alongside Bira, Retra had outlined three key priorities ahead of the Statement: continued investment for town centres and high streets; fully funded policing to address retail crime; and making economic development a statutory requirement for local authorities. These priorities refl ect the ongoing challenges that began with the October 2024 Budget, which reduced business rates relief from 75% to 40% (capped at £110k) from April 2025, increased employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, lowered the earnings threshold from £9,100 to £5,000, and raised the minimum wage to £12.21 per hour for over-21s. For many electrical retailers, these changes
represent signifi cant increases in operational costs. The impact is particularly concerning against the backdrop of recent trading conditions, with survey data showing that 46% of retailers reported worse trading in early 2024 compared to 2023, with 42.6% expressing low confi dence for the second quarter of 2024. Retra’s lobbying activities extend beyond
fi scal policies to address another issue of critical importance to its members—the de minimis import tax rules. The current threshold of £135, below which goods can be imported without incurring customs duties, has created signifi cant challenges for UK electrical retailers while
6 |
www.ierdaily.co.uk
potentially exposing consumers to substandard products. Working alongside Bira, Retra has engaged with the Department for Business and Trade and participated in the Retail Sector Council to highlight how millions of electrical products are entering the country duty-free, often circumventing safety standards in the process. This advocacy contributed to the Chancellor’s announcement on 23rd April of a review of the customs treatment of low value imports, with immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority. Retra continues to monitor this development, emphasising the importance of reform to create a level playing fi eld for its members.
sometimes lead to diffi cult situations. Through its partnership with WorkNest, Retra ensures its members have access to free advice via the Bira Legal service, providing guidance on managing workplace safety and responding to incidents of violence or aggression. The association off ers practical resources on
conducting risk assessments, implementing security measures, providing staff training, and developing appropriate responses to challenging behaviours. This guidance covers everything from maintaining controlled body language to eff ective communication techniques designed to de-escalate potential confl icts. Retra emphasises the importance of
An estimated 100 million small parcel shipments arrived in the UK from overseas sellers in 2023, with most entering the country with minimal or no checks and frequently bypassing UK trade legislation. For Retra members, this represents both a serious competitive disadvantage and a concerning safety issue for consumers who may purchase electrical products that do not meet UK standards. Beyond these economic and regulatory
concerns, Retra provides vital support to its members on staff safety issues. The association recognises that retail staff face increasing risks in their day-to-day work, with violence and aggression in the workplace having serious consequences for both employees and employers. Electrical retailers face specifi c challenges in
this area, often dealing with high-value products and technical customer interactions that can
PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
supporting staff following any incident, encouraging members to maintain comprehensive records and continually review their safety protocols. This approach helps electrical retailers create safer working environments while maintaining the high standards of customer service that diff erentiate independent specialists. Looking ahead, Retra continues to gather evidence from members about the impact of recent policy changes on their businesses. This information strengthens the association’s position in ongoing discussions with government departments and helps inform the development of additional support services for members. The association remains committed to its
founding mission of representing the interests of independent electrical retailers, adapting its approach to address both emerging challenges and longstanding issues that aff ect the sector. Through its Code of Practice, member services, and advocacy work, Retra continues to promote the value and importance of specialist electrical retail in communities across the UK. As electrical retailers navigate the policy challenges of 2025, Retra’s role as their dedicated trade association continues to evolve. By maintaining a strong voice in government discussions, providing practical support on workplace safety, and addressing unfair competition from imported goods, Retra demonstrates the ongoing importance of collective representation in an increasingly complex retail landscape.
Summer 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
