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Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
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ACT part of coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform

16 Feb 2026

A 18-strong coalition of business organisations and tax experts, including the ACT and led-by its parent company Bira, has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury calling for a... Read more…

Government's pub-only business rates package is "poor decision based on politics", ACT parent company Bira says

29 Jan 2026

The government's decision to give pubs a 15% business rates discount while excluding independent retailers is a "poor decision based on politics rather than what is good for the local economy",... Read more…

Independent retailers demand equal treatment as Government prepares pub rates relief

9 Jan 2026

ACT parent company Bira has has demanded equal treatment for small shops after the government announced plans to water down business rate rises for pubs.
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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…

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Big ideas for Small Business Saturday

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Outdoor News

Small businesses are encouraged to think big for Small Business Saturday! Despite the event not happening until 7th December, the organisers are encouraging businesses to start thinking about it now and have said that "it is never too early" to start planning activities to increase the awareness and effectiveness of the event.


Small Business Saturday is an annual event that was initially started in America by American Airlines. It was bought to the UK as a way to improve sales for small businesses just before the Christmas shopping period and has been increasing in awareness and popularity ever since. In 2017 the event was estimated to have generated £748million, and this was increased even further in 2018 with an estimated spending of £812million.This increased spending may be a result of more people becoming aware of the event and choosing to spend more money with small businesses because of it.


The organisers of the event now want to increase this awareness even further and are encouraging small businesses to start thinking about the event now! Some suggestions have been provided which include communities organising street festivals, implementing online campaigns and collaborating with other local businesses to create themed activities.
Find out more about Small Business Saturday and find out how you can get involved by visiting their website here.

 

IncreBest Small Shopsase awareness of your small business


For small businesses that are looking to increase awareness and gain recognition of the entrepreneurship required to run an independent business, it would be a great opportunity to enter the Best Small Shops competition! The Best Small Shops competition celebrates, not only the commitment and creativity of entrepreneurial independent retailers on the UK's High Streets but also the central role independent retailers play in building local communities. Learn more about the Best Small Shops competition and how you can enter by clicking here!

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