Retra has announced that its board has taken the decision to close the trade association.
However, if a proposal goes ahead, it will be absorbed into BIRA (the British Independent Retailers Association), which will create a new division dedicated to electrical retailers and repair agents.
The decision to close Retra (the Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers’ Association), which represents independent electrical retailers, has been made with careful consideration, the board said, and it is intended that as part of BIRA, it will better serve the needs of its members in the ever-changing landscape of the electrical retailing industry.
BIRA is a bigger trade association than Retra (which celebrated its 80th anniversary last year) and it will continue to provide the current Retra support – with some additional enhanced services that are not currently offered. The current cost of BIRA membership is £205 per year, which is around half that of Retra membership.
“This decision has not been taken lightly,” Retra CEO, Howard Saycell
A vote on the proposal will be taken by Retra members at an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) on 1 February to decide the outcome; if it goes ahead, Retra will pay the BIRA membership cost of the first year for its members, and any monies left over will be returned to paid-up members.
As part of the process, Retra’s insurance business, Retracare, will be sold. Although nothing has been formally signed, the board is discussing the sale of Retracare to Pacifica Group. The association intends for the business to continue, and Pacifica is committed to enhancing the range of services on offer.
“This decision has not been taken lightly,” said Retra CEO, Howard Saycell (left). “Every effort has been made to sustain the membership numbers, but sadly, the decline has continued and has accelerated.
“The board has decided that it is no longer viable for Retra to remain a stand-alone entity. If the proposal is approved by the members at the EGM, Retra will close. I know this may come as a shock, but we hope to put alternative arrangements in place for the members of Retra and Retracare to continue.”
Gavin Read, of TVC Electrical in North Yorkshire, is a BIRA member and has also been a Retra member for almost 30 years. He told ERT that Retra’s absorption into BIRA will “a marriage made in heaven”.
“It is the best way forward for Retra,” he said. “The benefits far out-weigh any negatives as far as I can see. A division of Retra within BIRA sounds like the perfect solution, and for us dealers that aren’t currently in any buying group the buying power of BIRA is an added bonus.”
Mr Saycell added: “We express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of Retra over the years. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind our achievements, and we are confident that you will carry these qualities forward with BIRA.”
If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to get in touch: jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk
