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Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

23 Dec 2025

An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT.
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Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13... Read more…

Independent retailers to see rates bills soar by up to 15% despite government's "transformation" promises

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has... Read more…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

Independent retailers reject Black Friday as three-quarters refuse to participate

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure... Read more…

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

11 Nov 2025

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan... Read more…

Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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How retailers are responding to online growth

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

street shopsAmazon is set to take 19.8% of the UK online retail market within the next five years.

The growth of the online market space within retail is having a wider effect on the high street. According to a report from the ONS, there is a decline in retail businesses and jobs that is balanced by a rise in residential housing and in restaurants.

This should not necessarily be seen as a negative effect as it is making the high streets more rounded, this rebalancing of the high street could give more people reasons to come to the high streets, not only to buy, but also to eat and to live.

For independent retailers, moving into the online market space is not always the answer especially if you are putting the customer at the centre of your business model. Independent retailers and larger corporate retailers are not the same, the customers are different, the products and services are different and the culture is different.

By understanding what a customer wants and needs, a business can then develop and rebuild the business model to the customer.

Loyalty programmes and schemes are becoming more and more popular among retailers, however, these loyalty schemes are not targeted at independent retailers. booost is the only scheme that is created solely for independent retailers. But, it is more than just a loyalty scheme, it is a three-in-one app that offers loyalty, gifting and promotions.

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