Retra has announced that its board has taken the decision to close the trade association, but, if a proposal goes ahead, Retra will be absorbed into BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association), which will create a new division dedicated to electrical retailers and repair agents.
The decision to close Retra, which represents independent electrical retailers, has been made with careful consideration by the board and it is intended that as part of BIRA, Retra will better serve the needs of its members in the ever-changing landscape of the electrical retailing industry.
BIRA – www.bira.co.uk – is a bigger trade association than Retra and it will continue to provide the current Retra support with some additional enhanced services that are not currently offered.
The current cost of BIRA membership is £205 per year, which is around half that of Retra membership.
If the proposal goes ahead – a vote will be taken by Retra members at an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) on February 1 2024 at 11am to decide the outcome – Retra will pay the BIRA membership cost of the first year for its members, and any monies left in the Retra bank accounts will be returned to paid-up members.
As part of the process, Retra’s insurance business, Retracare, will be sold. Although nothing has been formally signed, the board is discussing the sale of Retracare to Pacifica Group. Retra intends for the business to continue, and Pacifica is committed to enhancing the range of services on offer.
The decision to close Retra, which represents independent electrical retailers, has been made with careful consideration by the board and it is intended that as part of BIRA, Retra will better serve the needs of its members in the ever-changing landscape of the electrical retailing industry.
BIRA – www.bira.co.uk – is a bigger trade association than Retra and it will continue to provide the current Retra support with some additional enhanced services that are not currently offered.
The current cost of BIRA membership is £205 per year, which is around half that of Retra membership.
If the proposal goes ahead – a vote will be taken by Retra members at an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) on February 1 2024 at 11am to decide the outcome – Retra will pay the BIRA membership cost of the first year for its members, and any monies left in the Retra bank accounts will be returned to paid-up members.
As part of the process, Retra’s insurance business, Retracare, will be sold. Although nothing has been formally signed, the board is discussing the sale of Retracare to Pacifica Group. Retra intends for the business to continue, and Pacifica is committed to enhancing the range of services on offer.
“The board has decided that it is no longer viable for Retra to remain a stand-alone entity. If the proposal is approved by the members at the EGM, Retra will close. I know this may come as a shock, but we hope to put alternative arrangements in place for the members of Retra and Retracare to continue.”
Mr Saycell added: “We express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of Retra over the years. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind our achievements, and we are confident that you will carry these qualities forward with BIRA.”
