BIRA CONFERENCE 2024
October/November 2024
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Bira CEO: ‘The one thing we must prioritise is empowering our businesses to thrive’
The Bira Conference highlighted the changing role of the high street, Business Rates Will McGill
sellers by favouring the company’s products over those of independents. This alleged preference makes it increasingly “We are pursuing this action to give a voice to independent
retailers facing unfair challenges,” noted the federation representative. The Bira CEO also highlighted that this lawsuit is not an isolated
effort, as similar claims have emerged, indicating widespread concern over Amazon’s impact on the retail ecosystem. The standing among multiple claims, but the goal remains clear: to create a fairer market landscape where independent businesses can compete on equal footing. issues within online retail, including data privacy and the need for transparency in how dominant platforms operate. If successful, the lawsuit could not only provide compensation for affected retailers but also set a precedent for protecting independent sellers’ rights.
T
his year’s Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) Conference raised concerns around the need to create resilient town centres; the Association called for the need
for its members to focus on sustainability and to unite to create a strong, thriving high street.
The Conference, which took place on October 16, brought together around 200 attendees in London, returning after a six- year hiatus. Coinciding with Bira’s 125th anniversary, it featured a line up of speakers addressing critical issues facing the UK’s high streets.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, provided an update to Bira’s on- going lawsuit against Amazon, over alleged misuse of data and market manipulation. The legal action comes in response to what the Association
believes is an abusive market position that undermines the sustainability of independent retailers. He stated that Amazon’s business model and data practices often marginalise smaller
18 | Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira.
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