Who are Retra?
Founded in 1942, Retra (the Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers Association) is the UK’s leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations.
Now, as part of Bira (the British Independent Retailers Association) Retra provides its members with a powerful voice and a wide range of benefits.
Our Code of Practice ensures that all Retra members adhere to ethical business principles, reassuring customers that a Retra retailer or service agent will provide them with the very best customer service in the industry.
Our history
From humble beginnings, where a group of influential, like-minded individuals came together to support the industry they cared about, Retra has grown to become the UK’s largest trade association representing the entire spectrum of businesses in the dynamic and innovative field of consumer electronics.
Associate members with specialist expertise
Together with our growing list of Associate Members, Retra can support our members like no other industry body in our sector. Our Associate Members include manufacturers, service organisations and providers of specific, relevant services such as training, certification and legal help
Protecting your interests
Retra are perfectly placed and able to help you protect your interests and help you with your employees and your customers, even through uncertain times. Moreover, we can make your voice louder when and if the need arises, to challenge high-level industry bodies; for example, when new legislations which have a direct effect on your business are proposed.
Supporting your business
From sales training and business insurance to card payment solutions, finance and legal support, Retra provides a wealth of support services designed to directly benefit retailers and service companies in the UK electrical industry.
The Bira Family
Since the foundation of the very first association, The British Hardware Federation (BHF) in 1899 and The British Shops and Stores Association (BSSA) after, it has been our mission to work together to support and fight for the independent retail sector. Over the years, the form of that support has changed as the retail industry has changed. However, we remain equally as passionate about rallying together to benefit from the louder voice, the negotiating power and to stand alongside the larger chain retail businesses.
We're proud to be made up of numerous trade associations covering different sectors of retail.
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MICA is a co-operative of independent DIY, home & garden retailers - the only one of its kind in the UK, offering flexible and dynamic marketing, competitive terms and business support. Read more here.
Retra was founded in 1942 with the aim of bringing together businesses. It's now the UK’s leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and
The Gift & Lifestyle Consortium is a newly formed partnership created to support, connect, and champion businesses across the gift, lifestyle, and home sectors.
Policy & Campaigns
As a group, Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Fighting for lower business rates
- Combating retail crime
- Pushing for greater protection for business owners who are leasing their property
- Demanding more support for high street development
- Ensuring smaller retailers are not disproportionately burdened by upcoming changes in employment regulations
- £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.
Listen to our podcast
Our podcast is designed to keep you informed and inspired with conversations that matter. We discuss crucial subjects such as consumer trends, relevant government legislation, business rates, parking, and staffing - all with the goal of giving you practical insights, so you can navigate challenges with confidence and spot opportunities for growth.
Join Retra today
If you’re a retailer or repairer of electrical goods, then we’d love you to join us.
Simply fill in the application form, let us know who you are and how we can reach you, and we’ll call you back for a friendly follow-up chat.