The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has urged chancellor Rachel Reeves to use this month’s autumn budget to restore business confidence, with recent polling showing a worrying percentage of its members are concerned about their business prospects in 2026.
According to the results of Bira’s recent Heartbeat survey – which is conducted quarterly to collect insights on the independent retail sector – almost half of independent retailers (46.2%) were pessimistic about trading next year. In addition, only one quarter (25.5%) reportedly feel “confident” about the upcoming Christmas trading period.
Bira’s recent Heartbeat survey also shows that 43.9% of independent retailers felt like trading was worse in Q3 of 2025 compared with Q2. Similarly, just over half (51.9%) said that sales were seemingly down compared to the same period last year.
When it asked independent retailers about their priorities for the upcoming autumn statement, Bira said business rate reform was “the overwhelming concern” among members. The next revaluation of business rates is due to come into effect at the start of April 2026, and Bira says that this could result in thousands of independent retailers facing “substantial increases” to their current rates.
“The Chancellor faces a simple choice in this budget – she can boost business confidence and unlock the growth this government says it wants, or she can pile on additional costs and regulations that will kill enterprise before it has a chance to flourish,” warned Andrew Goodacre, the CEO of Bira.
“Our research shows that uncertainty is already damaging the economy. Businesses and consumers alike are holding back, waiting to see what Wednesday brings. Independent retailers are the engine of the high street and the backbone of local communities. But we cannot deliver growth if we’re constantly fighting against rising costs and regulatory burdens.
Goodacre continued: “Business rates reform cannot be delayed any longer. With revaluation coming in April, thousands of retailers will see their bills rise significantly. Many won’t survive that increase on top of all the other cost pressures they’re facing. This budget is a moment of truth. “
The Chancellor can choose to back Britain’s independent retailers and give them the confidence to invest and grow, or she can ignore the warnings and watch more high streets decline,” he concluded.
In related news, Goodacre spoke to kbbreview exclusively earlier this year about how he felt last year’s budget “was one of the most unfriendly to businesses we’ve seen in a very long time”, arguing that retailers were “fed up” with current business rates.
