Trade body establishes Birmingham as its head office

The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) has expanded its operation in Birmingham so the facilities can serve as its new UK head office.

The organisation has acquired additional space at 225 Bristol Road, Edgbaston to enable the relocation staff from its other operation in Banbury.

The offices have undergone a significant refurbishment over the past 12 months with the installation of new audio visual equipment in the boardroom, as well as break-out areas intended for creative thinking and idea development.

The character of the Georgian building has been retained and restored, whilst a newer building at 225a has been created to serve as a modern hub for the Membership, Marketing, Oxford Summer School and HR teams to be based.

Alan Hawkins, bira’s CEO said: “Anyone who may have visited our offices in the past, whether in Banbury or at 225 Bristol Road will know that they were in need of modernisation. Rooms have been opened up to create a modern and more social working environment, reflecting our association as a whole, which will benefit our members with the various departments all working more closely together.

“We wanted to create a space that is open, light and inviting and one where retailers can come and meet with the team working for them.”

Property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield has worked with bira over the last 12 months on the refurbishment project.

Craig Chatwin, from Cushman & Wakefield’s Project Management & Consultancy team, said: “We are delighted to have assisted bira to realise their vision for their new offices and have worked with them to establish their key priorities in providing a light, modern office – an environment which provides an enjoyable place for staff and an inviting space for their members.”