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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.
Read more…

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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Less than 1 week left to enter Best Small Shops competition!

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News, Creative News, Outdoor News

Best Small ShopsOver the last 8 weeks hundreds of independent retailers from all retail sectors across the UK have been entering the Best Small Shops competition 2019! A variety of sectors have entered so far ranging from cycling and outdoor pursuits to arts and crafts to quirky tea shops. The competition will close on Monday 9th September at 3pm, after which 25 of the most impressive applications will be shortlisted and invited to attend the Best Small Shops reception in November 2019.

It's not too late to enter!

With less than 1 week to go until the competition closing date now is the time to make your last minute entry! Voting for the competition does not close until the 12th of September, this gives you an extra few days after the closing date to really push out your Best Small Shops entry to your customers and attain plenty of votes! The final decision as to what applicants will be shortlisted will be made by a judging panel, meaning the most important aspect is making your entry stand out.

To enter the competition you will need to:

  • Be an independent retailer, defined as a non-corporate business selling goods or services to the
    public for use or consumption rather than for resale, from a business rated premises in the UK
  • Have a listing on the Indie Retail directory. If you don't already have a listing you can create one for free here
  • Submit your entry by Monday 9th September 2019 at 3pm
  • Be available on the 5th November to attend the reception in the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion should you get shortlisted

By entering the competition you will be in for a chance to be shortlisted and invited to attend the competition reception at the House of Commons on the 5th of November 2019, where you will have the opportunity to meet with MP's, trade representatives and other shortlisted retailers, before the winner and runners up are announced.

Once you've submitted your entry you'll be able to download the Best Small Shops logo to display on your website. The logo will link directly back to you shop listing on this site. When posting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ensure you tag Indie Retail and use the hashtag #BestSmallShops for a chance to get reposted! 

What are you waiting for? Enter the Best Small Shops competition now!

 

Competition now closed

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