Independent retailers across Britain are calling on Keir Starmer’s new Labour government to prioritise high street revival in a special episode of Bira’s High Street Matters podcast.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, launched the podcast series earlier this year. Previous episodes have explored issues such as shop crime and accessibility.

This latest instalment focuses on the recent general election and its implications for independent retailers.

The General Election Special episode features a panel of independent retailers sharing their hopes and concerns for the high street under the new Labour administration. Hosted by journalist Steve Dyson, the podcast includes insights from Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre and other prominent retailers.

“Labour has come in on a vote for change,” says Goodacre. “We will be asking the Labour government to deliver positive change for our sector by reducing the burden of business rates, reducing retail crime, and increasing investment in our towns and high streets. We also hope that a new government with a large majority will bring about stability, which in turn will boost consumer confidence and consumer spending.”

The podcast features several independent retailers, each highlighting critical issues facing the high street, including the impact of ‘stealth taxes’ such as parking fines and double yellow lines.

John Jones, managing partner of independent department store Philip Morris & Sons in Hereford, emphasised the need for a change in the business rates system, noting that temporary measures don’t allow for long-term planning.

“We are a very old and long-established business, going for 180 years now,” says Jones. “Revenue is steady, but it is hard work. You need to put in every effort to get every penny in from customers.”

Elsewhere, Karen Forret, MD of Wilkies, a Scottish independent multiple retailer trading for over 125 years, highlighted concerns about the rising minimum wage and lack of offsetting measures.

Goodacre also summarises Bira’s campaign priorities, which align closely with the concerns raised by these retailers, including reforming business rates, implementing policies to drive economic growth, and accelerating investment in high streets.

Independent retailers across the UK can subscribe to the High Street Matters podcast through major streaming platforms to hear these views in full. New episodes will be released throughout the year covering issues and themes relevant to retailers today.

For further information on Bira’s mission to support Britain’s independent retailers, please click here.