John Jones, managing partner of Hereford retailer Philip Morris & Son, has stepped down as president of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) after completing a two-year term. Karen Forret, managing director and owner of Scottish independent multiple retailer Wilkies, succeeded him at Bira's annual general meeting this month.
Membership body and leadership change
Bira works with more than 6,000 independent retailers across the UK. Jones said serving as president had been a huge honour, and he described the past two years as challenging for independent retailers. He highlighted the association's importance in enabling independent retailers to achieve collectively what they cannot do individually.
Jones identified the launch of the Bira Forum as his proudest achievement. The forum provides members with a space to discuss issues, share challenges and access advice. At the handover, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre called the Forum a lasting part of Jones's legacy, linking it to his contribution during a difficult period for the sector.
High street priorities
Despite the pressures facing independent retail, Jones said he remained optimistic about the future of the high street. He argued that people value the sense of place and community that a high street provides, as well as the knowledge and service offered by independent retailers. Those qualities, he suggested, continue to give local shopping a distinct role.
He also set out policy conditions he believes are needed for the high street to thrive: genuine reform of business rates and an overhaul of planning rules. He linked those changes to the high street's ability to thrive, alongside the collective support he said Bira provides to independent retailers.
Adaptation and continuity
On adaptation, Jones said Philip Morris & Son is 180 years old, but the business as it is now in no way resembles the business it originally was. He described evolving as the key to surviving and thriving, using the long-established Hereford business as an example of how continuity can depend on change.
Goodacre thanked Jones for his contribution and praised his leadership during a tough period for independent retail. Jones will remain involved with Bira as Forret takes on the role. The change at the top comes as the association continues to represent independent retailers and as the sector faces operating pressures and questions over business rates and planning rules.
Forret's move into the presidency brings a different retail background to the role. Wilkies is described as a Scottish independent multiple retailer, while Jones's business, Philip Morris & Son, is a Hereford retailer with a 180-year history. The handover was completed at Bira's AGM this month, with Jones staying involved in the association.