#IndieHour Andrew Goodacre Andrew can you tell us a bit about Bira please. How much does it cost to join? What benefits do you offer? Maybe a broad overview

Thanks for asking - I am truly a poor salesperson! It costs £205 for to join and we have not increased the price now since 2018, reducing our overheads instead to give best possible value #Indiehour

Also we offer a legal helpline, best deals on insurance and card processing. We also run two small buying groups giving great value. Then we tell, twist arms in government to make sure they understand what #Indiehour and retailers need

Love articles like that constructive and from the heart #Indiehour

#Indiehour - very good pint on click and collect. Was talking to some large retailer last week who were telling me that this is growing all the time and yes it does build footfall. of course we need accessibility if people want to collect from a high street Richard Shorney

So we have a long standing relationship with Global payments. Very competitive rates and also introducing new, smarter technology. Do not know the rates but Global say they will not be beaten! #Indiehour

Yes I think it has to be, and even the small retailers can do this - and many do it very well. There is somne good vlaue clever tech pout there so not everyone needs to be a Google SEO expert to succeed #Indiehour. A good example is NearSt

yes.If it is not better than the ustomer already has, Global will still work to match it. Careful thoughhe rates is not the best indicator of a good deal. Some providers have low rates but lots of other add ons Anyone interested email [email protected]

Have a good one - I must come up one weekend

They are doing some good work with some of our members in the DIY/ hardware sector

will just repost email address this without the typos - [email protected] #Indieretail

sorry - #Indiehour

Last few minutes of #Indiehour and let me provide - interest rates will be lower, inflation will be lower, energy costs will be lower, average earning increasing more that inflation - all positives for stringer retail in second half this year. All we need its the sunshine

More should follow the example #indiehour. Problem is often absent landlords but that is for another time

#Indiehour - thank you so much. That has flown by. I really need to learn how to type better. BIRA will continue to support indies - without you we do not exist Richard Shorney keep up the good work

Looking forward to attending #BusinessConnect today in Coventry. A conference dedicated to small businesses with a focus on #HelpToGrow, smarter regulations, skills for grwmowth and the impact of AI Bira

Very happy to hear the PM talking positively about support for small businesses/ retailers #BusinessConnect #HelpToGrow

We're backing female-led businesses with the launch of a new Invest in Women Taskforce 👏 This Taskforce will boost investment in these businesses at every growth stage 💰 Read more here 👉ow.ly/ekee50QVkIg

bbc.co.uk/news/live/c05g… . Not sure I can agree with this Simon Jack. We welcome reform but that will take time. We must retain the retail rates discount at 75% (RHL relief) now. The Chancellor said" high street businesses breathe life into communities" - then save the relief!!

Retail crime is an issue and it is not just shop theft. Over half of UK small businesses suffered a cyber breach or attack last year. In just 3-5 minutes, the UK Government’s free Cyber Action Plan from the NCSC UK. Time to take action now - ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/act…