Our Managing Partner John Jones has recently taken over as the national President of the British Independent Retail Association (Bira). Philip Morris & Son has been a Bira member for at least the last five decades and maybe more (nobody can say further back than that). Over this time, as a company, Philip Morris has enjoyed support from Bira in a huge variety of ways, from buying goods and services to training, networking, and friendly advice.
John first got involved with helping Bira in 2014 when he was invited to join the board of BIRA Direct, a buying group. Bira Direct is particularly strong in the hardware sector that Philip Morris & Son continues to use it for buying products daily. In 2021 John joined the board of the Bira Group and has now taken over as the national President for an initial two year term in October 2024.
John is a passionate believer in the importance of the High Street in the community. This is something he has invested time into as a former member of the Hereford Business Board and the founding Chairman of Hereford Business Improvement District. Philip Morris & Son has been at the centre of the community in Hereford for 180 years, with a product range and character that reflects the rural heritage of the county. John is clear that a vibrant high street is more than just a place to shop, as it adds to the character and community of an area, which is so important in an era where mental health issues are on the rise.
John commented, ‘I’m extremely proud to be elected Bira President, it’s nice to have the opportunity to give something back to an organisation that has supported us at Philip Morris & Son for many decades, and simultaneously help other independent retail businesses up and down the country.’
In the first week as President, John met with Gareth Thomas, the Minister for Small Businesses. Within this meeting, the discussion points included how high street businesses can be strongly supported by the new Government, lobbying for the reform of business rates, higher police prioritisation of retail crime, and the closing of tax loopholes on imported e-commerce orders.
