Andrew Goodacre, the new ceo of bira (The British Independent Retailers Association) will make an opening speech at The Excellence in Housewares Awards on Wednesday. Andrew begins his new role formally from October, having spent the past month as ceo designate working alongside retiring ceo Alan Hawkins.
Andrew has extensive experience in the membership organisation sector; he has been ceo of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) since 2013. Prior to that he held a senior position at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Andrew’s achievements included increasing membership at the RLA and implementing campaigns that raised the profile of small businesses with national and local governments at the FSB. In past roles, he also gained significant experience in the hospitality sector.
Last month, Andrew was part of bira’s delegation to the Houses of Parliament to present its business rates proposals, asking MPs to change the current £12,000 threshold to an allowance, as a much-needed short-term solution.
On joining bira, Andrew commented: “bira has a strong history of supporting independent retailers and these retailers need our help and support more than ever. I will work hard to bring stability to bira, building on its strengths and using all my experience to grow the membership.”
Top: Andrew Goodacre (left) with Alan Hawkins at the Houses of Parliament with bira’s business rates proposal document.
