Rephonic
Artwork for High Street Matters
Cybersecurity
Bira
Business Rates
Trustpilot
Artificial Intelligence
High Street
Music Licensing
Small and Medium Businesses
Background Sounds
Customer Reviews
Hereford, United Kingdom
Low Value Imports
National Living Wage
Independent Retailers
Retail
Retail Atmosphere
Independent Retail
Trust and Compliance
Philip Morris & Son
CI&T

Welcome to 'High Street Matters', a podcast from Bira, the British Independent Retailers Association. We'll be talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality. 'High Street Matters', the podcast for independent retail, hospitality and leisure, will discuss crucial subjects such as ... more

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Latest Episodes

The Cost of Playing Music in Your Shop | High Street Matters S2E6

Many independent retailers don't realise they need a music licence simply for playing background music in their shops - and the consequences of getting it wrong can be expensive and ... more

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Pubs Yes Retailers No - Why the Government's High Street Response Misses The Mark In this episode of High Street Matters, the team responds to the Government's January 2026 announcement giving pubs 15% business rates relief while excluding independen... more

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Smart Retail Revolution - How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers

Many think AI is only for big chains with massive budgets and technical teams. But the truth is, AI tools are now accessible, affordable, and could be the key... more

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In this special Budget reaction episode, recorded shortly after the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, Andrew Goodacre and John Jones from Philip Morris & Son examine what the Government's promised "transformation" really means for independent retailers.... more

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Recent Guests

Grant Thompson
Founder/Representative of Background Sounds
Background Sounds
Episode: Background Sounds in Shops - The Cost of Playing Music in Your Shop
Thomas Akintan
Co-founder of Avalon Insights, AI training and consulting for SMEs
Avalon Insights
Episode: Smart Retail Revolution - How AI is Levelling the Playing Field for Independent Retailers
John Jones
Member and president of Bira
Philip Morris & Son, Hereford (family-run department store)
Episode: The Autumn Budget - A Reaction from Independent Retailers
Andrew Goodacre
CEO, British Independent Retailers Association (Bira)
Bira
Episode: High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime
Melissa Minkow
Director of Retail Strategy at CI&T, retail futurist
CI&T
Episode: High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime
Andrew Maben
Owner, Kevin's Schoolwear (Bira member)
Kevin's Schoolwear
Episode: High Street Matters (S2E2) No Business Too Small - Protecting Independent Retailers from Cyber Crime
Alicia Skubick
Chief Customer Officer at Trustpilot
Trustpilot
Episode: High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter

Host

Claire Leigh
Host focusing on high street issues and technology for independents.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Autumn Budget - A Reaction from Independent Retailers
Q: Was there any good news in the budget for independent retailers?
Not really; the guest felt there was little in the budget to drive growth or growth-oriented policy, and the reforms appeared to miss meaningful opportunities to boost the high street.
The Autumn Budget - A Reaction from Independent Retailers
Q: What went through your mind when you were listening to the Chancellor's speech?
There was initial optimism that the budget might support retail, but once the details were examined, expectations declined due to a 45% rates rise after relief ends and mixed signals on rateable values and growth measures.
High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter
Q: Should retailers incentivize reviews?
No; it's important to encourage reviews without incentives to protect authenticity and comply with platform policies, ensuring balanced feedback from customers.
High Street Matters (S2E1) Building Trust - Why Customer Reviews Matter
Q: What would you say to a shop owner who's hesitant to encourage customer feedback?
Claim your profile, invite reviews at the right moment in the customer journey, and respond authentically to show you value feedback and are committed to improvement.
Pubs Yes Retailers No - Why the Government's High Street Response Misses The Mark
Q: Andrew, let's open up with your view on the pubs 15% relief versus zero for independent retailers.
Andrew explains it's a misdirection that fails to address the broader pressures on retail, hospitality, and leisure, and argues for a cohesive plan that benefits all high street businesses rather than privileging pubs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About High Street Matters

What is High Street Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, retailer-focused series examining the challenges and opportunities faced by independent UK retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses. Episodes frequently tackle licensing, government policy, and cost pressures, paired with pragmatic, scalable strategies—from music licensing simplification and budget reactions to AI-driven tools and customer feedback. Notable strengths include honest industry critique from trade leaders, real-world retailer anecdotes, and accessible guidance on staying compliant, competitive, and customer-centric while navigating regulatory and economic shifts.

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Which podcasts are similar to High Street Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with High Street Matters:

1. The Rest Is Politics
2. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
3. Outspoken with White and Jordan
4. The Delingpod: The James Delingpole Podcast

How many episodes of High Street Matters are there?

High Street Matters launched 2 years ago and published 16 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact High Street Matters?

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What guests have appeared on High Street Matters?

Recent guests on High Street Matters include:

1. Grant Thompson
2. Thomas Akintan
3. John Jones
4. Andrew Goodacre
5. Melissa Minkow
6. Andrew Maben
7. Alicia Skubick

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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