bira members help members

Members of bira have started to donate money to create and deploy a fund to provide fast assistance to members in areas affected by riot and looting over the last week. 

Damage has ranged from complete looting to damage to property, particularly shop windows. Distress has been prevalent, but independents are hardy types, not easily discouraged. Even so, other members are keen to let those affected know that they are not alone and that other retailers are thinking about them and want to do something practical to help.

CEO Alan Hawkins said: "Members have asked for this fund to be established because they want to help fellow members and we are happy to do anything we can to facilitate this. Our commitment to other active helpers such as the Retail Trust remains as strong as ever: this excellent initiative is complimentary to the great work of others."

The money, intended as a gesture of solidarity between members as well as a an act of practical assistance, is available on application by members and will be distributed in even sums of £250. Affected members will need to provide a crime number and an estimate of the value of the damage along with their membership number and contact details.

To make a claim members should write to Julie Huggins, British Independent Retailers Association, Middleton House, 2 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, 0X17 2TN or email her at julie.huggins@bira.co.uk

The money will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis until the fund is depleted. Any remaining monies unclaimed after 60 days will be distributed back to the donors in proportion to their original donation.

Members who want to contribute can do so by sending cheques made payable to bira, to Julie at the address above.

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