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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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750 UK firms sued daily for failing to pay rocketing business rates

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

 All councils within England were requested to provide details of how many businesses had been taken to court for non-payment of their business rates during the 2018/19 financial year. Figures show that a total of 171,018 businesses were summoned, which totals 9.83% of the 1,740,073 non-domestic properties liable for business rates.


According to real estate firm, Altus Group, the overall number works out at around 750 businesses being summoned across England every single day. The tax that medium and large businesses in England are required to pay rose by 2.4% on 1st April for 2019/20, making it the first time that the tax rates for businesses in England has gone above 50%.


The top five councils with the most summons, by volume, were Westminster (6,882); Birmingham (6,166); Manchester (5,228); Liverpool (4,254) and Leeds (3,497).

 

How to reduce your business rates


While business rates often account for a large portion of expenditure, it is generally unknown that many businesses could actually be paying less. ActSmart are partnered with RatesRecovery, a leading business rates appeal company whose specialist Chartered Surveyors have over 40 years of experience in saving businesses money.


RatesRecovery with ActSmart can offer you a free consultation, 20% off the standard fee and a no win no fee guarantee. RatesRecovery count Mothercare, Specsavers, English Rural and 4com among the many thousands of businesses they have represented but regardless of the size of your business RatesRecovery will take all the hassle out of appealing.


RatesRecovery guarantee their clients:

  • An honest and transparent service with help and advice available whenever it is required
  • High levels of savings with no upfront charges and a no win, no fee service
  • Support from highly experienced Chartered Surveyors
  • Only a Chartered Surveyor will visit you; never a sales person

Visit the ActSmart wesbite to find out more information on how you can reduce your business rates.

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