Sorbon & Bira

At Sorbon Estates, 'Independently minded' is our ethos. As an independent, privately owned company which grew from humble beginnings over 50 years ago, we appreciate the challenges that independent businesses face on a daily basis, particularly if they are just starting out or have a small team.

Over 70% of tenants within our property investment portfolio are independent businesses operating in a wide range of locations across the Thames Valley and Greater London. We take our responsibility to our tenants very seriously: we invest in property improvements and work with tenants to support them wherever possible.

With retail making up a good proportion of our portfolio, independent retailers are of particular importance for us as they bring differentiation and variety to the high street. High streets and shopping centres face increasing competition from online retail, and customers now expect a different experience when venturing out of their homes to visit brick-and-mortar stores. Independent retailers offering original products which may not even be available online, help to create a vibrant destination retail environment, alongside the more recognisable national brands.

Sorbon Estates and Bira

At Sorbon Estates we work closely with our tenants to help them when they need it most, to support businesses to ensure they are successful in the area in which they operate.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) work with independent businesses to offer support, knowledge, and a wealth of business benefits through their membership service.

We are delighted to have joined forces with Bira to help support our independent retailer tenants by providing them with a year's free Bira membership*. We believe that by providing our independent tenants with access to this valuable service, it will assist them with their business needs and help them achieve their business goals. 

Bira represents thousands of members across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, to large department stores and agricultural dealerships. Bira members can connect with a network of like-minded retailers, suppliers and partners and with Bira's support, independent retailers are represented at all levels, ensuring the voice of independent retail is heard at the top.

So how can Bira help your business?

Unlimited legal advice on all matters including Employment Law, HR, Health and Safety, Tax and VAT and Commercial and General Law

Preferential rates for processing debit and credit cards including PCI compliance fee covered

Access to over 2000 product brands and specialist buying terms through our buying group.

Specialist business insurance for retail.

Average saving of £1,030 with our utilities partner.

Waste management services with preferential rates.

Social media benchmarking.

If you're a Sorbon Estates tenant and would like to activate your membership or want to find out more, visit the Bira website hub for Sorbon Tenants. 

*Terms and conditions apply 

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Pop-up shops

Since 2012, Sorbon Estates has been actively working with pop-up shops to provide further opportunity and differentiation on the high streets in which we work.

Businesses come to us expressing a desire to operate in a town on a trial basis, therefore we offer pop-up shops where retailers can take a short-term lease to establish if that town is right for them. We then work with our tenants to see if they wish to adopt a more permanent lease or try to find them alternative premises elsewhere.

Contact us

* Compulsory information

Our tenants