Independent retailers are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the Autumn Budget to restore business confidence, citing fresh survey data that points to weakening trading and rising pessimism. The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) reports that 46.2% of independents are pessimistic about 2026, while only about a quarter feel confident about the key Christmas trading period.
Bira’s quarterly Heartbeat survey indicates 43.9% of respondents saw worse trading in Q3 2025 versus Q2, and 51.9% reported sales down year on year. The association says uncertainty around fiscal policy is suppressing investment plans, with just 25.5% expressing optimism about next year.
Business rates reform is the sector’s central ask ahead of the statement. With revaluation scheduled for April 2026, Bira warns that many independents could face higher bills, adding pressure to operating margins already tightened by costs and soft demand.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said:
“The Chancellor faces a simple choice in this budget – she can boost business confidence and unlock the growth this Government says it wants, or she can pile on additional costs and regulations that will kill enterprise before it has a chance to flourish.
“Independent retailers are the engine of the high street and the backbone of local communities. But we cannot deliver growth if we’re constantly fighting against rising costs and regulatory burdens.”
Talk to us about your business.
