The British Independent Retailers Association (bira) has appointed Andrew Goodacre, formally of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) as its new CEO. Andrew will replace Alan Hawkins, who retires after 33 years with BIRA. 
 
Mr Goodacre comes with a wealth of experience within the membership organisation sector, having held the role of CEO at the RLA since 2013 and previously holding a senior position at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Before that, he gained significant experience within the hospitality sector.
 
Having increased membership at the RLA and implementing campaigns that raised the profile of small businesses with national and local governments at the FSB, the Committee behind Goodacre’s appointment are confident they have the right person for the role. 

 
On making the selection, Chris Patterson of Pattersons Catering and Cleaning Supplies in Bristol, who led the recruitment committee said: “Andrew’s appointment comes at a crunch point within retail; with the rise of online shopping, the disproportionate and unfair business rates system, ever-increasing pressures on retailers, alongside Alan’s retirement, now more than ever we need strong leadership from our trade association. Andrew’s rich experience of lobbying government and increasing membership levels will help put bira at the centre of the High Street debate, while his relaxed collaborative style will encourage engagement from both members and staff alike to ensure independent retailers can not just survive, but thrive once more.”
 
Commenting on his appointment Andrew Goodacre said: “I am excited by the opportunity to be the new CEO at BIRA. BIRA has a strong history of supporting independent retailers and these retailers need our help and support more than ever. I will work hard to bring stability to bira, building on its strengths and using all my experience to grow the membership.”
 
Goodacre will begin his role formally in October, after a month as CEO designate working alongside Alan Hawkins. He will be relocating from Lancashire to be based close to Birmingham, where BIRA has its offices.