A leading independent retailers association has welcomed the Chancellor's growth ambitions but says independent retailers now need to see the benefit in their own cost base.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has responded to this week's growth speech by Chancellor John Healey, in which he committed to reducing the burden of business regulation by 25% by the end of this Parliament and set out a roadmap to greater business rates retention for local councils and strategic authorities.

Bira said independent retailers want to play their part in delivering growth, particularly where that growth is spent with British based businesses, and that the high street stands ready to benefit if the cost of doing business comes down.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "We welcome the Chancellor's focus on growth, and we share his ambition to deliver sustained growth for the UK economy. Independent retailers want to play their part in that growth, and growth that is spent with British based businesses is the kind that will benefit the high street most directly.

"The Chancellor himself accepts that he must draw a line under the rising cost of doing business. We now urge him to use the upcoming Budget to give independent retailers in every postcode real reason for hope, by acting on business rates and the cost of employment."

Mr Goodacre added that independent retailers will be watching closely to see whether the Budget delivers meaningful reform, rather than further reviews and roadmaps.