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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

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…

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Creative and crafty independent shops shortlisted in competition!

Posted on in Business News, Creative News

There is not long to wait now with just over 2 weeks to go until the Best Small Shop in the UK for 2019 is announced at the reception in the House of Commons!

Over the last couple of weeks we have been introducing you to the fantastic shops that have been shortlisted and telling you about the wonderful ways in which they continuously help their communities and why they stood out to the judges.

This year we have two independent arts and crafts stores shortlisted into our final 25, with enough creativity between them to inspire the whole of the UK to get crafty!

The Orry Mill

The Orry Mill is an independent yarn shop that runs regular classes and workshops for crafters and showcases a modern take on the old crafts of knitting and crocheting.

The Orry Mill is set in Glasgow and owned by Thilde Folke Olsen and her husband Stephen McBride. Thilde came to Scotland to study at the Glasgow School of Art. As a child Thilde was brought up in Denmark immersed in knitting, crochet and crafting. When she finally settled in the village of Eaglesham she became fascinated by the history of the village. The name ‘The Orry Mill' refers to the open space in Eaglesham known as ‘The Orry' (Old Scots for 'area') in which there are the remains of a cotton mill.

 

Gemz By Emz

Based in Romford, Gemz By Emz does the arts and crafts for you, by specialising in home made personalised gifts, engraved with the photo, handwriting, text and even pregnancy scan of the customer's choice. It also creates stunning diamond dust glitter canvasses and personalised cushions. Not only have the shop's items been purchased and promoted by famous faces but they have also been featured on television and in magazines.

Gemz By Emz also features an online blog which allows you to not only learn about the buisness and it's array of offerings, but also gives you an insight into the designer and founder of Gemz by Emz, Emma.

 

For more information about The Orry Mill and Gemz By Emz you can visit their pages in the Indie Retail Shop directory. Keep up to date with the Best Small Shops competition by following our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.

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