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.