Bira - The British Independent Retailers Association
Mica is a Cooperative of Independent Stores, and since 2019 also a division of the Bira Group.
A little background...
Bira has been supporting independent retail businesses for over 120 years. Over this time they’ve been fighting for a level playing field, drawing on the strength of our membership mass.
They influence the media, change Government legislation and provide support on areas of strain like business rates, parking and staffing.
Like Mica in its specialties of marketing, group buying and retail support, Bira offers strength in numbers too.
Following an amendment to the Mica Co-operative Constitution, sanctioned by Co-operatives UK and approved by unanimous vote of attending and proxy members at an EGM in August 2019, Mica and Bira now work together for the benefit of the Independents across the UK.
This means Mica are able to offer it’s members exclusive rates and discounts on essential business services negotiated by Bira on behalf of its members.
Their key services include
- Banking – products built around independent retailers including loans and savings via Birmingham Bank
- Business insurance - Specialist cover for independent businesses with the quickest online buying experience you can find!
- Card processing rates - Competitive preferential rates with no PCI compliance fees and no authorisation fees for Bira members
- Legal advice and protection - Unlimited legal advice (in areas including employment law, HR and health & safety) and £50,000 indemnity cover*
- Retail Training – Develop your team with Bira training courses
- Industry insight - The latest industry news, events and legislative updates straight to your inbox with the Bira newsletter
& more!
You can learn more about Bira by visiting their website www.bira.co.uk, but be assured with Mica membership, you can access all the benefits of Bira membership plus all the additional benefits of the Mica cooperative, with no ongoing additional costs.
News Archive...
- WIN a Portable Ceramic Heater with Black & Decker (25/11/2023)
We’re offering up a Black & Decker Portable Ceramic Heater to one lucky winner. Go to our Facebook page to enter now!
View » - Mica Raises Money for Industry Charity Rainy Day Trust (29/09/2023)
Mica’s Annual Gala Dinner & Awards evening, held in Peebles on the 17th September raised over £1,000 through its raffle for Industry Charity, and Mica’s partner charity The Rainy Day Trust.
View » - Mica Exchange Reviewed A Success in Scotland (17/09/2023)
Independent retailer co-operative Mica DIY gathered for its Mica Exchange, its annual member & supplier event this weekend. It held for the second time in a decade this year in Scotland, this time at the historic Peebles Hydro Hotel & Spa in the Scottish Borders.
View » - Tributes Paid to Pradip Dave, 16th August 1950 to 31st August 2023 (01/09/2023)
Mica is sad to announce the death of longstanding Mica member & director Pradip Dave, of Finchley in North London, at the age of 73.
View » - WIN a Get-away Experience Voucher with Cuprinol Ducksback (12/07/2023)
We’re offering up a Buyagift ‘Get-away Experience’ Voucher to one lucky winner, which allows you to choose from a number brilliant experiences, from supercar racing and family days out to a romantic break for two!
View »
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