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. Karen Forret, managing director and owner of Scottish independent multiple retailer Wilkies, took over the role at Bira's annual general meeting this month.
Bira works with more than 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, a membership base that reflects the breadth of the independent retail sector the presidency represents. Jones said serving in the role had been a huge honour. He added that the past two years had been challenging for independent retailers and underlined the importance of Bira in helping them achieve collectively what they cannot achieve individually.
Forum cited as proudest achievement
Jones identified the launch of the Bira Forum as his proudest achievement. The forum provides members with a space to discuss issues, share challenges and access advice. 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.
High street optimism and reform calls
Although the sector has faced pressure, Jones said he remained optimistic about the future of the high street. He pointed to the value people place on the sense of place and community that the high street provides, as well as the knowledge and service that independent retailers offer. He also argued that genuine reform of business rates and an overhaul of planning rules were needed if the high street is to thrive.
Adaptation and legacy
Jones stressed that adaptation is central to retail survival. He noted that Philip Morris & Son is 180 years old, but that the business as it operates now in no way resembles the business it was originally. In his view, evolving is the key to surviving and thriving.
The leadership change leaves Jones involved with Bira while Forret takes on the presidency. Goodacre's tribute focused on Jones's stewardship through a difficult period for independent retail and on the Forum as an enduring element of his time in office, giving the handover both a policy and a personal dimension.
The handover places Forret, who leads Wilkies as managing director and owner, at the head of an association whose members span the UK's independent retail landscape. Jones's remarks linked the sector's prospects to both structural policy changes and the ability of individual businesses to adapt, while Goodacre presented the Forum as a durable legacy of his term. Forret now begins her tenure as president of the association.