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. The association works with more than 6,000 independent retailers across the UK.
Karen Forret, managing director and owner of the Scottish independent multiple retailer Wilkies, took over the role at Bira's annual general meeting this month.
Jones described the presidency as a great honour and said the past two years had been challenging for independent retailers. He underlined the value of Bira in helping independents achieve collectively what they cannot accomplish alone.
He named the launch of the Bira Forum as his proudest achievement. The Forum gives members a space to discuss issues, share challenges and access advice.
Despite the pressures on the sector, Jones said he remains optimistic about the future of the high street. People value the sense of place and community a high street provides, he argued, as well as the knowledge and service an independent retailer offers. He added that genuine reform of business rates and an overhaul of planning rules were needed if the high street is to thrive.
He also stressed the need to adapt: Philip Morris & Son is 180 years old, but the business today in no way resembles the one it started as, and evolving is the key to surviving and thriving.
Bira chief executive Andrew Goodacre thanked Jones for his contribution, praising his leadership during a tough period for independent retail and describing the Forum as a lasting part of his legacy. Jones will remain involved with Bira as Forret takes on the presidency.