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:
- Accountancy Service - access to preferential rates from TaxAssist Accountants, giving the best support, for less.
- Bira Bank – products built around independent retailers including loans and savings
- Bira Legal - Expert advice in Employment Law, HR and Health & Safety
- Card Processing – Approved service provider with competitive rates to save retailers money
- Coronavirus Guidance – a concise up to date guide to the latest government & employment law & advice
- Insurance – business insurance scheme designed and delivered by Towergate with tangible advantages in cover, service & cost.
- Magazine & Newsletter – free news and information on the independent sector
- Retail Training – Develop your team with Bira training courses
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...
- Now Closed - Greenworks G70 Electric Pressure Washer PLUS Accessories - Facebook Free Prize Draw (27/08/2020)
We’re giving away a Greenworks G70 Electric Pressure Washer PLUS Accessories in our August Bank Holiday Weekend Prize Draw! To enter, share the competition post and tag the Independent Mica store you’d collect the prize from in the original post’s comments box. For full terms and conditions click this article...
View » - Mica Shops and Covid19 (12/06/2020)
As a co-operative, we want to clarify our retailers position surrounding store opening and who to contact, plus pass on the thanks of all our retailers to the customers who have shopped (by delivery, collection or through safe social distancing) at Mica stores during the Covid19 pandemic.
View » - Now Closed Prestige Pan Set - Free Facebook Prize Draw (14/01/2020)
Now Closed. We’re giving away two Prestige Pan Sets in our January Prize Draw! To enter, like/follow us on facebook, tag the competition post with the Independent Mica store you’d collect the prize from in original post the comments box and share the post. For full terms and conditions click this article...
View » - Now Closed Afternoon Tea for Two - Free Facebook Prize Draw (14/10/2019)
Now Closed We’re giving away a voucher for an Afternoon Tea for Two in our October Prize Draw! To enter, like us on facebook, tag the competition post with the Independent Mica store you’d collect the prize from in original post the comments box and share the post. For full terms and conditions click this article...
View » - Your Local Store - Helping to Combat Knife Crime (13/09/2019)
The Metropolitan Police Knife Crime Unit held a training session at Scotland Yard to help show retailers what they can do to help combat knife crime. Representing Mica, Jenny & Jay of Merlin Mica Hardware were invited to attend...
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