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Independent retailers warn Spring Statement missed opportunity as geopolitical tensions threaten high street recovery

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy... Read more…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

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…

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Registration now open for CHSI Stitches 2020

Posted on in Creative News

The ICHF (International Craft & Hobby Fair Ltd) have announced that pe-registration for the UK's trade show for the creative craft industry, CHSI Stitches, is now open to all retailers and craft trade buyers.

 

Simon Burns, Managing Director of ICHF Events, says, "CHSI Stitches is the meeting place for the craft industry. The 2020 show offers independent retailers and trade buyers the chance to test, touch and experience the latest craft products, take part in free seminars and workshops and get vital industry insight. CHSI Stitches brings together over 6,000 craft buyers with innovative suppliers from around the world. It is a celebration of our industry and we are looking forward to our 42nd year of Stitches in February."


CHSI Stitches is the UK's leading craft trade show and will be taking place from the 16th to the 18th February at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. The annual February event features over 100,000 products from more than 200 exhibitors across the globe, showcasing the latest innovative products and designs.


More than 100 hours of free education will be on offer throughout the event. The keynote seminar will reveal the results of The Craft Report, the independent report on the UK craft industry giving insights into the UK craft industry, buying motivators and habits of the crafting public. Visitors can also attend free, trade only workshop sessions focussed on teaching new techniques and imparting product knowledge to improve in store sales.


Product inspiration can be found at the popular catwalk show featuring garments created using the latest fabrics, yarns and haberdashery and a new ‘Trending Now' area highlighting recent product releases from exhibitors. The Bright Sparks feature showcases brand new designers and leading-edge products from across the world.

 

Both retailers and craft trade buyers can reigister now, free of charge, at www.chsi.co.uk

Register now

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